EU steps up checks on Chinese imports amid baby formula recalls

The EU is strengthening its border controls on imports from China of arachidonic acid oil, the substance implicated in the contamination of infant milk that has triggered global recalls.

From Thursday, customs officials will be required to inspect 50 per cent of shipments arriving from China and containing the substance, which “probably poses a serious risk to human health”, according to a decision published on Wednesday in the EU’s Official Journal.

Several manufacturers including Nestlé, Danone and Lactalis have recalled infant formula that may be contaminated with the toxin cereulide in more than 60 countries since December. Arachidonic acid oil imported from China has been found to be the source of the toxin.

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EU agencies specialising in food safety and disease prevention have specified that seven European countries, including Belgium, have reported cases of babies with gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming formula milk.

The French authorities are also investigating the deaths of two babies, the latest of which occurred on 5 February, with suspected links to the consumption of recalled milk. However, the French Health ministry says no scientific link has been proven so far.

A Chinese company based in Wuhan, Cabio Biotech, is suspected of being the supplier of the substance.

^{Infant formula in a supermarket in Paris © PHOTO RICCARDO MILANI / HANS LUCAS / VIA AFP}

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