Infant formula recalled in Poland due to toxin detection

Polish health authorities have issued a precautionary recall of a specific batch of infant formula after detecting cereulide, an emetic toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria. While the concentration of the toxin found in the samples was below the intervention levels established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in February 2026, regulators decided to withdraw the product to ensure safety.

Experts from the National Institute of Public Health PZH stated that a single consumption of the product is unlikely to cause toxic effects. However, they warned that prolonged use of the contaminated batch could lead to adverse health outcomes. Infants are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal issues and dehydration caused by the toxin, which typically results in nausea, vomiting, and digestive distress.

The issue of cereulide in infant nutrition is not isolated to Poland; similar recalls have occurred in several other countries. Both EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control have been analyzing multi-country incidents related to these products.