144 Illnesses Potentially Linked to Global Cereulide-Contaminated Infant Formula Incident, WHO Reports
The World Health Organization (WHO) has responded to the multinational food safety incident involving infant formula contaminated with cereulide toxin, which prompted product recalls spanning 99 countries and territories.
Between January 1 and February 25, 2026, 144 suspected and confirmed cases of illness associated with cereulide-contaminated products were identified in ten countries, with Belgium reporting eight laboratory-confirmed cases. Belgium is the only country with laboratory-confirmed cases to date.
WHO said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of contamination and distribution.
Contamination Linked to ARA Oil Ingredient
Investigations have identified the ingredient arachidonic acid (ARA) oil used in infant formula as the likely source of contamination. However, WHO said a complete root cause analysis and full traceability of affected batches have not yet been established.
Cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, can survive pasteurization and typical food processing conditions. Illness occurs through ingestion and is not contagious.
How Cereulide Poisoning Affects Infants
WHO said symptoms typically develop between half an hour and six hours of exposure and include vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. In infants, these symptoms can rapidly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, with potentially severe or fatal outcomes if left untreated.
The agency noted that the toxin has a low dose threshold and remains active under gastric conditions, increasing the risk of illness with repeated exposure through contaminated formula.
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Global Distribution and Detection Challenges
Affected products were distributed widely, and WHO said the geographically dispersed cases suggest sporadic exposure. Differences in case definitions and limited laboratory capacity for detecting cereulide have complicated case identification and reporting.
Some countries have reported higher numbers of suspected cases based on self-reporting, which WHO said are not directly comparable to standardized case definitions.
WHO Says Public Health Risk is “Moderate”
WHO, through the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), has coordinated with national authorities to support product recalls, information sharing, and response efforts. Recall implementation and effectiveness have varied by country.
WHO assessed the overall public health risk as “moderate,” citing the vulnerability of infants, uncertainty around the extent of contamination, and gaps in surveillance and traceability.
WHO Recommendations
WHO advised Member States to strengthen surveillance, improve laboratory testing capacity, and ensure effective product recalls. Additional recommendations included enhancing supply chain traceability, increasing oversight of ingredient production, and issuing clear risk communication to caregivers and health professionals.
WHO also emphasized the importance of early medical care for symptomatic infants and recommended promoting safe alternative nutrition options where affected products have been withdrawn.
