Four Cases of Bacillus Cereus Poisoning Linked to Contaminated Baby Food in Austria

Authorities in Austria have reported four cases of food poisoning in infants, attributed to the presence of cereulide toxin in baby food products. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) confirmed that the affected children ranged in age from newborn to eleven months.

According to the official notification, one of the infants was found to have ingested baby food contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the toxin in the food consumed by the child.

Further investigation revealed that two of the affected infants had consumed products from batches of baby food that had already been the subject of a product recall. The remaining case involved a child who had eaten baby food from a batch that had not been recalled, suggesting a wider distribution of potentially contaminated products.

One of the four infants required hospitalization due to the severity of symptoms, while the other three children have since recovered. The symptoms associated with cereulide poisoning typically include vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the toxin can lead to more serious health complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants.

The reported cases occurred over a period spanning late January to early February. Health authorities have taken measures to trace the source of the contamination and prevent further incidents, including the recall of affected product batches and increased monitoring of baby food manufacturing processes.

Bacillus cereus is a common bacterium found in soil and food, known for producing toxins that can cause foodborne illness. Cereulide, a heat-stable toxin, is not destroyed by conventional cooking or pasteurization, making it particularly dangerous if present in ready-to-eat foods such as infant formula or prepared baby meals.

Parents and caregivers are being urged to check the batch numbers of any baby food products in their possession and to follow guidance from health authorities regarding product recalls. Officials emphasize the importance of immediately discontinuing use of any products identified in the recall and seeking medical attention if an infant exhibits symptoms of food poisoning.

AGES is collaborating with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to monitor the situation and share findings with international partners. Health agencies are also reviewing procedures for food safety inspections and recall notifications to minimize risks to consumers, particularly young children.

This incident highlights the critical need for rigorous quality control in the production of baby food and underscores the importance of swift action in response to potential food safety threats. Further updates will be provided as investigations continue and additional information becomes available.