PARIS — Nestlé announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that it is expanding a recall of its Guigoz infant formula in France to include one additional batch after French authorities reduced the maximum allowable threshold for the toxin cereulide in baby milk products.
The recall now covers a single batch of Guigoz Optipro Relais 1 (intended for infants aged 0–6 months). Nestlé France emphasized that no other Guigoz products are affected and reiterated that all remaining batches remain safe for consumption.
In a detailed written statement, Nestlé France explained the decision:
“Our quality standard is based on the strictest cereulide detection threshold in the industry: we aim for the total absence of detectable cereulide in our infant milks. This requirement, which guides all our decisions, leads us today to proceed with the additional recall of a single batch of Guigoz Optipro Relais 1 (0–6 months).”
The company stressed that the precautionary measure aligns with its internal policy of zero tolerance for any detectable level of cereulide, even when trace amounts fall below regulatory limits. The move follows France’s recent decision to lower the permitted threshold for cereulide in infant formula, prompting Nestlé to act proactively to maintain its stringent self-imposed standards.
Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. It can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, typically appearing within hours of ingestion. While severe cases are rare in healthy individuals, infants are considered particularly vulnerable due to their developing digestive and immune systems.
The toxin has been at the center of several recent food safety alerts involving Nestlé products in Europe. Earlier recalls of certain Guigoz and other Nestlé infant formulas were initiated after routine testing detected low levels of cereulide. French health authorities, including the Directorate General for Food (DGAL) and the Directorate General for Health (DGS), have been closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with manufacturers.
Nestlé France confirmed that consumers who purchased the affected batch are advised to return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund or replacement. The company has activated its customer service lines and online channels to assist affected families.
The specific batch number and other identifying details of the recalled product were not included in the initial statement but are expected to be published on Nestlé’s official website, the French government’s recall portal (Rappel Conso), and through retail partners.
This latest recall comes amid heightened scrutiny of infant formula safety across Europe. Regulatory bodies have intensified testing protocols for bacterial toxins in powdered milk products following multiple incidents in recent years involving Bacillus cereus contamination risks during production.
Nestlé has repeatedly underscored its commitment to infant nutrition safety, stating that the company invests heavily in quality controls, including advanced analytical methods capable of detecting cereulide at extremely low concentrations.
No illnesses linked to the newly recalled batch have been reported, according to available information from French health authorities and Nestlé. The company maintains that the risk to consumers remains low, but it has chosen to err on the side of caution to uphold its industry-leading quality benchmark.
Parents and caregivers in France are encouraged to check product packaging against the official recall list and to contact Nestlé or their retailer if they have any concerns.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the microbiological safety of powdered infant formula, a product category that remains susceptible to spore-forming bacteria even under strict manufacturing conditions.
Nestlé France concluded its statement by reaffirming confidence in the safety of its broader Guigoz portfolio and its dedication to transparency and rapid response whenever quality concerns arise.
French authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with regular updates expected on the Rappel Conso platform.
