Nestle and Danone are facing new questions over their response to contaminated infant formula after reports published Tuesday by French, Belgian and Swiss media alleged delays in notifying authorities and recalling potentially harmful products.
The investigation by Radio France, RTBF and RTS said Nestle had delayed alerting European authorities about the presence of cereulide, a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and poses particular risks for infants.
The toxin was detected in an ingredient supplied by China's CABIO Biotech and used by several infant formula makers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis. The contamination triggered infant formula recalls in several countries and fueled concerns among parents.
A Nestle spokesperson said the investigative reports contained "inaccurate and misleading information", stressing that the company acted with full transparency and cooperated with the authorities from "day one".
The investigation quoted Nestle as saying it had followed a strict process involving assessment, traceability checks and identification of affected products before public recalls were launched.
