Dozens of Dutch babies fall ill after drinking Nutrilon formula
In the Netherlands, dozens of parents say their babies became sick after drinking Nutrilon infant formula, leading the company to issue a major recall. The recall follows concerns that the products may contain elevated levels of the toxin cereulide. The move comes less than a month after Nestlé issued a global recall of baby formula over concerns of possible contamination with the same toxin.
Reports to RTL Nieuws indicate that babies experienced vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and lethargy. In total, 30 parents contacted RTL Nieuws with concerns. Some said their children required hospitalization.
Danone, the manufacturer of Nutrilon, announced Friday that 14 types of its infant and follow-up formulas are being recalled in the Netherlands, covering 44 batch numbers. Parents are advised not to use the affected products. In France, authorities are investigating the deaths of two infants, although any connection to the formula has not been confirmed.
One father described his experience: “The little boy had this exact type of Nutrilon formula for about three months. At the daycare on Wednesday, he became unwell, and it took two ambulances to respond.” He requested anonymity but said he wanted to warn other parents.
Another mother, Renate, told RTL, “After an hour and a half, I took my son out of bed, and he had completely vomited. Both he and the bed were covered. He had never been sick before or had a fever. That evening he also had diarrhea. Only when I saw the news did I realize our package was part of the recalled batches.”
Wieke van der Vossen of the Dutch Food Center said it cannot be confirmed that the babies became ill from the formula, but acknowledged parents’ concerns. “If your child experiences symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea after feeding, I would advise contacting a doctor,” she said.
Danone stated the recall is precautionary and conducted in consultation with the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). The company said there are no confirmed cases linking illness to Nutrilon products and that it has not received complaints from parents, caregivers, or healthcare professionals while the products were on the market. Danone stated that its baby formula is produced under strict safety and quality standards and is extensively tested.
