International food safety event: Infant formula and products containing arachidonic acid oil contaminated with cereulide toxin - Multi-country
- 関係する国／地域
- Multi-country
- 初回通知
- 2026-03-13
- 最新の通知
- 2026-03-13
- 通知件数
- 1
公式要約（原文）
Multi-country recalls of infant formula and other products have been initiated after cereulide toxin, was detected in batches of multiple internationally distributed brands. Investigations have identified arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, used as an ingredient in the implicated products, as the source of contamination. However, the full root cause analysis and complete traceability of all affected batches remains under investigation. Contaminated formulae, nutritional products, and oil mixes have been distributed to 99 countries and territories across six WHO Regions, with the first product recalls initiated on 10 December 2025. Between 1 January and 25 February 2026, 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across ten countries in three WHO Regions, with investigations ongoing.
Based on the available information, WHO assesses the overall public health risk as moderate due to the vulnerability of the affected population (infants), the ongoing uncertainty regarding the full extent of distribution and exposure, and remaining gaps in case detection and root cause information.
WHO リスク評価（原文）
WHO assesses the overall public health risk associated with this event to be Moderate. This assessment is based on the information currently available and reflects the wide international distribution of contaminated products, ongoing uncertainties regarding the full extent of contaminated product distribution, case detection, and root cause of contamination, and the vulnerability of infants and young children to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance from with vomiting illness associated with cereulide toxin ingestion.
Several considerations contribute to this assessment:
Cereulide is a thermostable emetic toxin that can cause acute vomiting and rapid dehydration particularly in very young infants which can have severe consequences if untreated; mild or self-limiting cases are likely to go unreported, especially in settings with limited healthcare access or diagnostic capacities.
The extent of the contaminated ARA oil distribution remains uncertain, as complete traceability from the original implicated manufacturer has not been provided to WHO.
Secondary distribution through commercial supply chains has further complicated efforts to identify all affected products. Additional investigation is required to determine the source and extent of the cereulide contamination.
The international spread of contaminated products has already disrupted trade and supply chains across at least 99 countries and territories, with the possibility of further recalls if additional affected batches or product categories are identified. These recalls, while essential for public health protection, have created a risk of localized shortage of infant formula, particularly in settings where reliance on specific products is high, despite manufacturers' efforts to increase production of unaffected products. A residual risk of exposure persists while investigations and traceability efforts continue, as competent authorities manage evolving distribution information and update risk communication measures.
Mild clinical presentations can resemble common childhood illnesses, laboratory capacity for cereulide testing in contaminated products or human samples varies widely, and variations in case definitions across countries complicate consistent reporting and may delay detection.
Although limited numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been reported to date, without continued investment in surveillance for toxin‑related events, strengthened laboratory networks, training of health‑care providers, and clear communication on recalls and safe alternatives, delays in detection and response could lead to preventable morbidity in infants.
通知履歴
- · 2026-DON596
公式要約（原文）
Multi-country recalls of infant formula and other products have been initiated after cereulide toxin, was detected in batches of multiple internationally distributed brands. Investigations have identified arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, used as an ingredient in the implicated products, as the source of contamination. However, the full root cause analysis and complete traceability of all affected batches remains under investigation. Contaminated formulae, nutritional products, and oil mixes have been distributed to 99 countries and territories across six WHO Regions, with the first product recalls initiated on 10 December 2025. Between 1 January and 25 February 2026, 144 suspected and confirmed cases were reported across ten countries in three WHO Regions, with investigations ongoing.
Based on the available information, WHO assesses the overall public health risk as moderate due to the vulnerability of the affected population (infants), the ongoing uncertainty regarding the full extent of distribution and exposure, and remaining gaps in case detection and root cause information.
