Nestlé has acknowledged that it waited several days before notifying authorities about a toxin detected in its baby milk products, a delay that preceded a major recall across 16 European countries.
The global food and beverage giant confirmed the lapse in its reporting timeline, raising concerns about the company’s response protocols when potential health risks are identified in infant nutrition products.
According to available information, Nestlé discovered the presence of a harmful substance in certain batches of its baby milk formula but did not immediately alert regulatory authorities as required under food safety protocols. The nature of the toxin and the specific health risks it posed have not been fully detailed in public statements.
The delayed notification has prompted questions about the company’s adherence to food safety standards and its commitment to protecting vulnerable consumers, particularly infants who rely on formula as their primary source of nutrition.
Following the eventual alert to authorities, a widespread recall was initiated across 16 European nations, affecting numerous retailers and thousands of concerned parents. The recall involved removing affected products from shelves and advising consumers who had already purchased the items to discontinue use immediately.
Nestlé has not publicly explained the reasons for the delay between detecting the contamination and informing regulatory bodies. The company is expected to face scrutiny from food safety regulators and potentially legal consequences depending on the findings of ongoing investigations.
European food safety authorities are likely to review Nestlé’s internal protocols and determine whether the company violated mandatory reporting requirements designed to protect public health.
The incident has reignited debates about corporate responsibility in the infant formula industry, a sector that has faced recurring controversies over product safety, marketing practices, and transparency in multiple countries over the years.
Parents and consumer advocacy groups have expressed frustration over the delayed disclosure, arguing that any hesitation in reporting potential contamination in baby products is unacceptable given the vulnerable population at risk.
Nestlé has issued apologies and assured the public that it is cooperating fully with regulatory investigations while working to prevent similar incidents in the future.