Cambodia Bans Three Lots of Babybio Infant Formula Over Suspected Bacterial Toxin Contamination

The Cambodian authorities announced last week the immediate ban on the sale and distribution of three batches of Babybio Optima 1 infant milk formula, following the potential detection of contamination by cereulide toxin, a dangerous bacterial substance that can cause severe digestive disorders.

Cereulide is a bacterial toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

The Directorate-General of Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression (CCF) said in a statement that the three banned French products are:Babybio Optima 1 800g infant formula, Lot No. 894408;Babybio Optima 1 800g infant formula, Lot No. 900035; andBabybio Optima 1 400g, Lot No. 900932.

The CCF urged traders and vendors to cooperate fully with its officials in recalling the above-mentioned products."Parents and consumers must avoid purchasing the three types of the above-mentioned infant formula products and/or stop using them immediately," the statement said. "This move aims to ensure the safety and health of infants and children."

The statement came after Comptoir Perfect Pharmed Co., Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Babybio products in Cambodia, notified on Monday that the toxin cereulide may be present in three types of Babybio Optima 1 baby milk products currently circulating in the Cambodian market.

In an official communiqué, the Directorate-General of Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression (CCF) specified that the affected products are:

• Babybio Optima 1 800 g – Lot No. 894408,

• Babybio Optima 1 800 g – Lot No. 900035,

• Babybio Optima 1 400 g – Lot No. 900932.

The CCF called on merchants and distributors to cooperate fully with its inspectors to ensure the immediate recall of the contaminated products. It also urged parents and consumers to stop using and refrain from purchasing the listed lots, emphasizing that this measure aims to protect the health and safety of infants and young children.

This decision follows a notice issued Monday by Comptoir Perfect Pharmed Co., Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Babybio products in Cambodia, reporting the possible presence of cereulide toxin in certain batches of Babybio Optima 1 formula. This toxin, produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, can resist heat and cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain within hours after ingestion.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), cereulide acts as an emetic agent, and while severe cases are rare, it poses a particular risk to infants, whose immune systems are more vulnerable.

The Cambodian government reaffirmed its commitment to strictly control imported food products, particularly those intended for children. The CCF stated it will continue field inspections and cooperate with French authorities and the manufacturer to trace the source of the potential contamination and prevent any reintroduction of the affected lots to the local market.