Khaberni - On Thursday, the Chinese National Market Regulatory Authority ordered all infant formula manufacturers in the country to conduct mandatory tests to detect the presence of the toxic substance "cerioulide".
The decision came after widespread recalls involving major brands such as Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis were linked to a major Chinese supplier.
Although the official statement of the authority did not name any Chinese company, international investigations have focused on the company "Capyo Biotech," headquartered in Wuhan, which is one of the world's largest producers of arachidonic acid (ARA), a key component used in infant formula and food products.
Cerioulide was found in this acid produced by the company, placing it at the center of the global storm.
The Chinese authority confirmed on Thursday that it has not detected any cerioulide poisoning cases resulting from the consumption of synthetic infant milk within the country so far.
"Capyo Biotech" has not issued any official comment on the situation and has not responded to repeated requests for clarification from Agence France-Presse, despite growing international pressure and media attention on the case.
France Investigates a Third Death and 50 Suspected Incidents
Official investigations in Switzerland and France are deepening after reports of infants in both countries being affected by cerioulide as a result of consuming contaminated milk, amid increasing indications that the crisis stems from a common source of contamination.
In this context, the French Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday the opening of an investigation into the death of a third child suspected of being linked to the consumption of recalled milk, bringing the number of deaths under review to three.
Despite the severity of the indicators, the ministry emphasized that "the causal relationship has not yet been scientifically proven," noting that judicial and epidemiological investigations are still ongoing to determine the nature of the link between the cases.
The ministry revealed that it had received reports of about 50 suspected incidents, among which 14 required hospitalization; all children later left the hospital. It was confirmed in only eight cases that the child had indeed consumed milk from the recalled batches.
Global Recall Wave Includes Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis
In late January, France reduced the allowed level of cerioulide in infant milk by half, in line with new European recommendations. This tightening led companies "Bubot" and "Vitagirmin" (owner of the Babybio brand) to recall entire batches of stage one milk, despite them meeting previous standards.
The companies described the move as a precautionary measure aimed at "enhancing the health protection level for infants."
Since December, companies Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis have recalled infant milk products from dozens of markets, following suspicions of contamination with cerioulide.
This toxin, produced by "Bacillus cereus" bacteria, is characterized by its resistance to heat and enzymes, making it dangerous even in the absence of the bacteria itself.
