While further recalls of infant formula are "expected" as an investigation progresses, government has said the "highest priority continues to be given to consumer safety".

Minister of State at the Department of Health, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said that "all available measures are being taken to manage this incident as effectively as possible".

The minister was responding to a question from Laois TD Seán Fleming on the action being taken in relation to the fact that infant formula that was removed from shelves across Europe was also sold in Ireland.

Recalls

Minister Murnane O'Connor said that on January 23, 2026, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) was notified by Danone of a recall affecting certain batches of infant formula and follow-on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide.

"At that time, Danone informed the FSAI that no implicated products had been distributed to Ireland," the minister said.

"However, on January 26, 2026, the FSAI was subsequently notified by Boots that individual packs of Aptamil 1-From Birth First infant milk, from a batch included in the recall, had been distributed to Ireland via indirect supply from the UK.

"These packs were sold through the Boots.ie website for online sales."

Complex

The minister said that as is often the case with "complex distribution chains", new information "may emerge as investigations progress".

"The FSAI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are continuing to work closely with the manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that all necessary food safety measures are in place to protect consumers," the minister said.

"My department remains actively engaged with the FSAI, receiving regular briefings and updates to ensure the situation is managed effectively.

"The FSAI has also engaged directly with manufacturers and Irish suppliers to secure comprehensive traceability and distribution data and to ensure that all precautionary measures are implemented without delay."

Further recalls expected

She said that both the FSAI and Department of Agriculture are "taking a precautionary, evidence-based approach, which involves rapid risk assessment, expanded sampling, and full traceability by manufacturers".

"Following these actions, DAFM has issued compliance notices to the relevant manufacturing plants, including the Macroom and Danone Wexford facilities," Minister Murnane O'Connor added.

"While further recalls are expected, as the investigation progresses, I wish to assure the deputy that the highest priority continues to be given to consumer safety, and all available measures are being taken to manage this incident as effectively as possible."