EU Tightens Controls on Chinese Arachidonic Acid Oil Amid Safety Concerns

(MENAFN) The European Union has intensified inspections of arachidonic acid oil imported from China after worldwide recalls of baby formula tied to contamination concerns, according to a newly published decision in the bloc’s Official Journal.

Under the updated measures, which take effect Thursday, customs officials throughout the EU must examine half of all incoming shipments from China containing the ingredient. The decision warns that the substance "is likely to constitute a serious risk for human health."

The action follows large-scale product withdrawals by major dairy producers, including Nestle, Danone and Lactalis. Since December, these companies have pulled infant formula products from shelves in more than 60 countries amid fears of contamination with the toxin cereulide.

European agencies responsible for food safety and disease monitoring reported that seven countries across the region — among them Belgium — have recorded cases of infants suffering gastrointestinal issues after consuming the affected formula.

In France, authorities are examining the deaths of two babies, including a case reported on Feb. 5, to determine whether there is a connection to the recalled products.

Investigations have traced the contamination to arachidonic acid oil sourced from China, prompting the EU to reinforce its border control procedures.

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