France tightens infant formula rules after toxin scare

Paris, France: France plans to impose stricter limits on the acceptable level of a toxin called cereulide in infant formula after potentially contamin...

Paris, France: France plans to impose stricter limits on the acceptable level of a toxin called cereulide in infant formula after potentially contaminated products were recalled over 60 countries.

The infant formula industry has been rocked in recent weeks by several firms recalling batches that could be contaminated with cereulide, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

"Protecting the health of infants is the top priority for health authorities," the French agriculture ministry said late Friday.

The new threshold will be 0.014 micrograms of cereulide per kilogram of body weight, compared to 0.03 micrograms per kilogram of body weight, it said.

"France has chosen to anticipate new scientific recommendations," the ministry added.