The European Union has introduced stricter border controls on imports of arachidonic acid oil from China following a major infant formula contamination scare linked to the toxin cereulide.

According to a notice published by the European Commission in its Official Journal, consignments of arachidonic acid oil entering the EU must now be accompanied by an official certificate confirming they have been tested and are free from cereulide contamination.

Cereulide Contamination Sparks Global Infant Formula Recalls

Cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, was first detected in December in batches of infant formula containing arachidonic acid oil.

The discovery triggered widespread baby formula recalls in more than 60 countries, including several EU member states.

In France, authorities have launched an investigation after the deaths of three infants were suspected to be linked to the consumption of the recalled formula.

Although two EU agencies recently stated that the current risk of exposure is low, regulators are taking no chances.

50% Physical Checks on Shipments for Two Months

To address concerns over products already shipped, the European Commission announced that for the next two months, 50 per cent of consignments arriving from China will undergo physical checks at EU borders.

The Commission said follow-up investigations confirmed that the contaminated arachidonic acid oil, originating in China and used in powdered milk production, was the source of the problem.

Officials warned that the ingredient “is likely to constitute a serious risk for human health.”

Several global manufacturers, including Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis, have recalled affected products.

Chinese supplier Cabio Biotech has also come under scrutiny as the suspected source of the tainted ingredient.

The tighter EU border controls highlight growing concerns over food safety, infant formula regulation, and supply chain monitoring in global dairy markets.