On Thursday 12 February 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture and Ministry of Health and Social Security issued a statement in relation to the ongoing issues with the contamination of infant formula products.
Since Tuesday 6 January 2026, 50 infant formula products of various brands have been recalled in Luxembourg due to a contaminated ingredient: an oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA), an omega-6 fatty acid used in infant formula. This ingredient, listed on the label as “Mortierella alpina oil”, was contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.
In order to ensure a high level of consumer protection and a harmonised approach among European authorities, the laboratory testing method was refined and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion introducing a stricter toxicological threshold for risk assessment. In this context, a second wave of recalls was initiated in early February to comply with this new European risk assessment.
The Luxembourg authorities said they are working in coordination with other Member States and operators to swiftly withdraw all affected products from the market.
The full list of recalled products is continuously updated on the Food Safety Portal at the following link: https://securite-alimentaire.public.lu/fr/actualites/actualite/2026/01/rappels-lait-nourrissons.html
As a precautionary measure, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) launched a targeted control campaign. To date, thirty samples of infant formula (including formula intended for infants aged 0–6 months, 0–12 months and 0–36 months, available in Luxembourg) have been taken and analysed.
Only one sample tested positive for the cereulide toxin. The product concerned was also recalled and published on the Food Safety Portal. ALVA’s controls are currently ongoing.
The ministries confirmed that to date, no confirmed cases of illness in infants linked to the consumption of the affected infant formula have been reported in Luxembourg.
The health authorities analysed three reported cases to determine the possible presence of cereulide. None of the analyses carried out on these infants detected the presence of the toxin. Two babies were hospitalised for dehydration but have since fully recovered.
Investigations are continuing in collaboration with hospitals, paediatricians and specialised laboratories.
The ministries reminded the public that certain recommendations circulating on social media may endanger the health of infants. It is essential to follow exclusively the advice of one’s general practitioner and official recommendations.
In their official recommendations the ministries stated that under no circumstances should infant formula be substituted with cow’s milk, goat’s milk or plant-based drinks.
In the event of symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) occurring within 30 minutes to 6 hours after consumption of a potentially contaminated product, consult your general practitioner, paediatrician or paediatric emergency services immediately if the situation appears concerning.
Official information can be consulted at https://securite-alimentaire.lu or via the LU-Alert application to identify recalled products. For any questions, contact ALVA via tel.: 247-82539 or email: info@alva.etat.lu.
Information regarding contamination risks in infant formula is also available on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) portal.
