France tightens infant formula safety rules following product recalls from the market

French authorities have announced stricter regulations for infant formula safety following a series of investigations and product recalls that have raised concerns among families and health officials.

This move comes amid extensive judicial and health investigations following the deaths of two infants suspected to be linked to infant formula products that were part of a large-scale international recall.

In an official statement, the French Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that it has lowered the maximum allowable level of the toxic substance cyromazine in infant formula to 0.014 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, down from the previous limit of 0.03 micrograms.

The aim of this adjustment is to strengthen food safety standards to protect infants’ health, following the recall of batches of infant formula in over 60 countries worldwide.

Cerulenin, which can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, has raised growing concerns among doctors and parents—especially after major companies like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis issued precautionary recalls of their products in France and across Europe.

Prosecutors have launched investigations into the deaths of two infants who were found to have consumed the suspected products, prompting authorities to expand oversight of the infant formula industry and strengthen its regulatory systems.

Consumer protection organizations have filed legal complaints against several companies, accusing them of delaying the announcement of product recalls and failing to warn about potential health risks, increasing pressure on regulators to tighten testing and safety standards before products reach the market.

This decision comes amid growing international concerns over the safety of infant food, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive review of health standards in the production and distribution of infant formula worldwide.

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