Since the beginning of January, several manufacturers have recalled batches of infant milk, as a precaution, after the possible detection of cereulide, a bacterial toxin. An added compound would be singled out today. But what is it?
Reminders that follow one another
Nestlé was the first to withdraw batches of the Guigoz and Nidal brands in nearly 60 countries. Lactalis, Danone and the Vitagermine group then initiated similar recalls.
According to the health authorities, all of the incriminated batches have been withdrawn from the market. Two investigations are nevertheless underway after the death of two infants in France. At this stage, the causal link between these deaths and the milk concerned has not been established, recall the authorities.
However, the main trail leads to an oil used in the manufacture of milk, rich in arachidonic acid, which could have been contaminated upstream. An anxiety-provoking situation for families, but which deserves to be placed in context.
Arachidonic acid, a pillar of baby development
But what is this compound added to infant milk?
“Arachidonic acid is a very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, belonging to the omega-6 family”explains Dr Sandra Brancato, pediatrician. “It is an essential fatty acid, which is known to be useful for neuronal and neurosensory construction.
Essential, because in infants, this fatty acid plays a key role in the development of the brain, nervous system and immunity. However, the baby is not always capable of producing it in sufficient quantity on its own, even when precursors are provided through food. This is why it must be added.
“There are two essential fatty acids that are particularly important in young children”specifies the pediatrician. “DHA, the addition of which is obligatory in infant milks according to European regulations, and arachidonic acid, which is not obligatory but “strongly recommended” by the global scientific community, especially in infant milks.
There is nothing abnormal about it being present in the boxes purchased.
Present naturally in breast milk
This recommendation is explained by the composition of breast milk. “This is naturally very rich in fatty acids.recalls Dr. Brancato. “It contains short, medium, long and very long chains, including arachidonic acid. It’s an extremely complete nutritional model.”
To get as close as possible, manufacturers enrich infant milk with these essential fatty acids, particularly for infants who are not breastfed. On the other hand, the compound is then provided naturally through food.
A single global supplier? Not exactly
Faced with the scale of the recalls, which seem to have a single origin, a question arises: is there a single supplier of arachidonic acid in the world?
“No, there are several suppliers” nuance Dr. Brancato. “This is also why not all milks are affected. But it is true that one of the main suppliers, very specialized in this production, is based in China.
Ongoing investigations are now seeking to precisely identify the origin of the contamination and possible failures in the production chain.
Can we, or should we, avoid arachidonic acid?
For the pediatrician, the answer is clear: no, you should not try to do without this acid. “The baby needs it. To avoid it would be to deprive the child of an ingredient that has a potential role in sensory and neurosensory development.”
Regardless, in infants fed exclusively on milk, alternatives are very limited. “There are very few first-age milks without arachidonic acid, quite simply because it is an international scientific recommendation.she insists.
On the other hand, once dietary diversification has begun, needs can be covered differently : “From the moment the child eats solid foods, we can adjust the intake differently, through diet.”
Impressive reminders, but a highly monitored system
To reassure parents, Dr Brancato recalls that arachidonic acid has been added to infant milks for many years, without any particular problem. And we must avoid panicking. “Milk recalls for bacterial reasons, we have already had them, and we will have them again,” she explains. “But if these recalls exist, it is also because infant formulas are subject to a lot of controls.” And the adjustments are therefore generally made very quickly.
She also emphasizes that the number of recalls remains much lower than in general food. “It’s annoying, it’s anxiety-inducing, but it also shows that the surveillance system is working.”
Transparency and vigilance: what can parents do?
Today, it is not possible for parents to know precisely the origin of each ingredient when purchasing a box of milk. “Some recipes from major brands are very complex, and there are more than 180 infant milk references in France. recalls the pediatrician.
In practice, the recommendations remain simple:
- Check the lots on the official RappelConso website;
- Immediately stop using affected milk;
- Consult quickly in case of vomiting or digestive problems.
Please note that the French Pediatric Society also published on January 25 a list of alternative infant milks, not affected by the recalls. To consult before making your purchases for babies.