European Commission Tightens Controls on Chinese Arachidonic Acid Oil After Infant Formula Contamination

The European Commission has announced stricter import controls on arachidonic acid oil sourced from China, effective February 26, following findings that linked the ingredient to contamination in infant formula products across multiple countries.

The move comes after a series of recalls by major global manufacturers and a detailed risk assessment by the European Food Safety Authority, which has set a new safety threshold for infants.

Infant Formula Recalls Across 60 Countries​

Since December, leading infant nutrition producers including Nestlé, Lactalis, and Danone have recalled infant formula products in 60 countries.

Laboratory tests detected cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. The toxin can trigger gastrointestinal illness, with infants particularly vulnerable due to their higher risk of dehydration.

French authorities are currently investigating the deaths of two infants that are suspected to be linked to the consumption of contaminated milk.

EFSA Sets New Cereulide Safety Threshold for Infants​

Earlier this month, the European Food Safety Authority issued a recommended maximum safe daily intake level for cereulide in infants.

In its assessment, EFSA proposed a limit of 0.014 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. The agency stated that infants metabolize substances differently and require enhanced protection. Vomiting was identified as the key short-term symptom used to determine the safety threshold.

The new scientific guidance has formed the basis for the Commission’s stricter import framework.

Mandatory Border Checks and Laboratory Certification​

Beginning Thursday, all shipments of arachidonic acid oil from China must undergo checks at European Union border control posts.

Importers will be required to present laboratory test results and certification confirming the absence of cereulide contamination. The Commission stated that these additional safeguards are necessary to prevent further health risks and ensure product safety within the EU market.

Labor Rights Concerns Surround Chinese Manufacturing​

Separately, Chinese companies have recently come under scrutiny for labor practices. A New York-based labor rights group reported evidence of worker exploitation at a factory operated by Pop Mart.

The report alleged that employees were forced to sign blank checks and work overtime. It also cited the employment of 16- and 17-year-olds without the special legal protections required under Chinese law, along with inadequate health and safety training.

The factory supplies Labubus toys from the popular "the Monsters" product line manufactured by Pop Mart.

According to the report, workers aged between 16 and 18 at the Shunjia facility were assigned to standard assembly line roles, with no reduction in workload or production targets compared to adult employees.

Heightened Regulatory Oversight Amid Safety and Compliance Concerns​

The Commission’s decision to impose stricter border controls reflects growing regulatory vigilance following widespread recalls and heightened scrutiny of supply chains.

With mandatory testing and certification now in place, EU authorities aim to contain contamination risks and strengthen consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable groups such as infants.