By Digital Spartans 
French authorities are investigating the deaths of two infants who reportedly consumed baby formula products that were recalled earlier this month as a precautionary measure. The French health ministry confirmed on Friday that inquiries are ongoing, while stressing that no scientific link has yet been established between the deaths and the recalled products.
One of the deaths occurred in Pessac, a town in southwestern France. According to the Bordeaux prosecutor, the infant had been fed Guigoz powdered milk manufactured by Swiss food giant Nestlé. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of death, which is standard procedure in cases involving infant fatalities.
The second death was reported in Angers, western France. Authorities have not yet confirmed which brand of infant formula was consumed in this case. Prosecutors in Angers did not immediately respond to requests for comment, as investigations remain underway.
Earlier this month, Nestlé and French dairy group Lactalis recalled several batches of infant milk sold in France due to potential contamination with cereulide. Cereulide is a toxin known to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The recall was described by the companies as a precautionary step rather than a response to confirmed harm.
The French health ministry emphasized that, so far, there is no evidence proving a causal link between the infant deaths and the recalled formula. In a statement, officials said that further laboratory analyses are ongoing and that public prosecutors are actively examining the circumstances surrounding both cases.
Nestlé responded by acknowledging the investigations and reiterating the authorities’ position. In an email, the company stated that nothing currently indicates a connection between the tragic deaths and the consumption of its products. Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy group, said it had not received any reports from health authorities regarding adverse effects linked to its recalled products.
The recall measures extended beyond France. Lactalis withdrew infant milk products from 18 countries, while Nestlé recalled batches in dozens of markets worldwide. Separately, Danone blocked a batch of infant formula produced specifically for the Singaporean market. All three companies described their actions as preventive.
French authorities later identified an oil rich in arachidonic acid, known as ARA, supplied by a Chinese manufacturer, as the suspected source of the contamination. The French farm ministry said the first results from a judicial inquiry are expected within the next 10 days.
The case has renewed public concern around infant food safety and regulatory oversight, with officials urging calm while investigations continue.