Paris: Swiss food giant Nestle delayed alerting European authorities about contaminated infant formula that remained on shelves and in consumers' homes before launching a global recall, according to an investigative report published on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the investigation by Radio France, Swiss broadcaster RTS, and Belgian broadcaster RTBF revealed that Nestle detected the toxin cereulide in infant formula in late November 2025 but did not initiate a global recall until January 5. This delay has raised concerns over the safety protocols and transparency of the company in handling contaminated products.

Nestle halted infant formula production at its Boue factory in northern France on December 26 after confirming the presence of highly contaminated ARA oil in its products. During this period, 838,000 tins were held at its production facilities. However, products that had already been distributed remained on the market without an official recall or immediate notification to European authorities.

The issue was referred to French courts due to the delay in action, with the Laon Public Prosecutor's Office transferring the case to Paris on March 16. The investigation further uncovered that contaminated Nestle products were discreetly removed from shelves in Austria and Germany in December, avoiding a public recall or direct warning to affected families.

The European Commission has stated that a "silent recall" holds no legal basis within EU law, emphasizing that the public must be informed "as soon as a product that may be unsafe is likely to have reached the consumer." In response, Nestle "strongly" denied accusations of marketing contaminated milk or conducting discreet recalls, asserting that it adhered to a "strict procedure" and "acted with complete transparency."

In light of these findings, five criminal investigations were launched in France on January 30 following infant deaths or hospitalizations linked to the contaminated formula.