What is Cereulide, a Toxin Suspected of Having Contaminated Nestlé Infant Milks?

BACTERIA: The Nestlé group has announced that it is carrying out a voluntary recall of infant milks in several dozen countries, due to the potential presence of cereals

Nestlé is at the heart of the controversy. Around sixty countries are affected by a procedure voluntary recall of batches of infant milk, due to the potential presence of “cereulide”.

“I would like to reassure you that no cases of illness linked to the affected products have been confirmed so far”, wished to reassure Philipp Navratil, the group’s general director, insisting on the fact that it was a “precautionary” measure and apologizing. But what is this substance?

Cereulide is a toxin produced by bacteria Bacillus cereus. which would have been identified with one of the group’s suppliers. This bacteria is present in large quantities in the soil and is found in dry or dehydrated products such as spices, but also vegetables, cereals and even flours.

Emetic substance

“Most variations [of Bacillus cereus] pose no risk to food safety, but some can produce toxins that can cause digestive problems”, Nestlé explains on its website.

This is the case of the cereal toxin, sometimes produced during the growth of Bacillus cereus in food. It is a heat-resistant substance, which is not destroyed by heat, and emetic, meaning it can cause vomiting.

Strains of the bacteria that can produce cereals “represent a minority, generally 1% or less of isolates from food or the environment, but represent 15% of strains isolated from food that have caused gastrointestinal disorders”, specifies the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) in one dedicated note.

Rapid incubation

In the case of contamination, the incubation period is very rapid: from less than an hour to 6 hours after ingestion. Nausea, vomiting, discomfort or even diarrhea and abdominal pain may then occur, before fading within 24 hours.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, these infections “are relatively uncommon” and largely benign. However, people with fragile immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women and newborns may be more sensitive to symptoms.

Furthermore, serious forms of infections such as septicemia, encephalopathy or even brain abscesses have been described in newborns, premature babies or even in patients with cirrhosis. “However, the link with food consumption has not been demonstrated”, underlines ANSES.

Cool well

The main route of transmission to humans is food. To limit the risk of contamination by spores Bacillus cereus, ANSES recommends cleaning your vegetables well to remove soil, letting them cool then placing cooked foods or rehydrated dry foods in the refrigerator within two hours.

The health agency also advises not to consume foods rich in water stored for several hours at room temperature. A mixed salad from the remains of a picnic, for example.