Lactalis Recalls Picot Formula in 18 Countries Over Cereulide Risk

French dairy giant Lactalis announced a voluntary recall of six batches of its Picot infant formula on Wednesday, pulling the products from shelves in 18 countries due to potential contamination with cereulide, a bacterial toxin that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy in infants. The affected nations include Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, the Republic of the Congo, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Greece, Kuwait, Madagascar, Mexico, Monaco, Spain, Peru, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

The recall targets specific lots of Picot Nutrition Quotidienne and Picot AR formulas in various container sizes, available in pharmacies and supermarkets since early 2025, with expiration dates extending to March 2027. Lactalis Nutrition Santé, the company's infant nutrition division, initiated the action after tests on reconstituted bottles revealed the toxin in an ingredient supplied by an international provider. Initial checks on the powdered product had shown compliant levels, but further analysis indicated higher concentrations once the formula was mixed with water, prompting the precautionary withdrawal. The company traced the issue to arachidonic acid oil, a key nutrient...