Sep 18, 2026 - Foods
Cereulide in infant formula: Rapid alert system highlights the importance of rapid analysis
The current report of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) on the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) shows the importance of rapid information exchange in cross-border food contaminations. A particularly relevant example is the detection of cereulide in infant formula that became known at the end of 2025.
At the end of 2025, traces of the heat-stable toxin cereulide were detected for the first time in infant formula from a Dutch manufacturer. In January 2026, the BVL identified contaminated arachidonic acid oil as the cause. Through the RASFF a common supplier from China could be identified. It became apparent that products from other manufacturers and recipients worldwide were also affected.
Up to and including May 2026, more than 20 original notifications and around 600 follow-up notifications related to the cereulide incident were exchanged via the RASFF. Germany was involved in 13 of the notifications.
Cereulide: heat-stable and particularly resistant
Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus group. Due to its high heat stability, it cannot be reliably inactivated by standard heat treatment processes.
After ingestion, cereulide can cause nausea and vomiting within a few hours. In rare cases, severe poisoning can also occur. The current case therefore underscores, in addition to functioning warning and traceability systems, the importance of rapid and reliable analytical testing.
Rapid and reliable analysis for Bacillus cereus and cereulide
The BAV Institute offers validated and accredited testing methods for Bacillus cereus and cereulide. These allow the investigation of presumptive Bacillus cereus as well as the potential for cereulide production and the toxin already present in the food.
Our accredited services include:
- Cultural rapid method for presumptive Bacillus cereus with results within 24 hours
- Detection of cereulide toxin-production potential by RT-PCR targeting the ces gene
- Direct detection of cereulide in food by LC-MS/MS
In particular, the direct detection by LC-MS/MS enables a targeted examination to determine whether cereulide is already present in the food.
For questions, the selection of the appropriate testing method, or arranging especially rapid analyses, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.
Your contact:
Dirk Lorenz
Telephone: 0781-96 94 7-23
dirk.lorenz@bav-institut.de
Source:
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL): "Cereulide in infant formula highlights the importance of the rapid alert system", 17.09.2026
- European Commission: ACN Annual Report 2025