Belgium Probs Illnesses Linked to Contaminated Nestle Baby Formula
The Flemish Department of Healthcare warned on Monday that the number of affected babies in the Flanders region could be underestimated, as doctors are not required to test for the bacterial toxin cereulide, which is at the center of the recall. Cereulide can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
"When babies present to a doctor with symptoms of a cereulide infection, the doctor is not required to take a stool sample and test for the infection," said Joris Moonens, spokesperson for the department, speaking to a local broadcaster.
The first confirmed case of cereulide contamination in Flanders was reported on January 23.
Since then, authorities have urged doctors to report any infants who consumed recalled formula and exhibited related symptoms. Moonens noted that without mandatory testing, the confirmed cases likely represent an “underestimation.”
The Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FAVV) is currently examining roughly 20 reports from parents whose babies showed symptoms after consuming the affected products.
"In that case, the FAVV can also come by to collect any remaining residue of the powder and have it analyzed in the lab," said spokesperson Helene Bonte.
Nestle initially retrieved some recalled products from households in Belgium but later discontinued the effort. The recall has expanded internationally, with French companies Danone and Lactalis also removing products after cereulide was found in ingredients supplied by a shared vendor.
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