Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
308. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to correspondence sent to her by an organisation (details supplied); the actions she will take to address the contents therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4752/26]
View answer309. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if she will consider facilitating a meeting with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss the concerns raised with her in relation to the recall of baby formula; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4753/26]
View answer310. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the procedure whereby a recall of baby formula is communicated to parents, media outlets and other relevant organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4754/26]
View answer311. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the timeline as to when she was made aware of the largescale baby formula recall (details supplied); the procedure that was followed in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4755/26]
View answer312. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the safeguards that are in place to minimise the impact of a largescale baby formula recall (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4756/26]
View answer313. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any engagement she has had with the Irish suppliers of baby formula involved in the mass recall to ensure a minimal impact to families and infants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4757/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 309, 310, 311, 312 and 313 together.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the safety of infants and food safety remain paramount considerations for my Department. I have been kept informed of recent matters relating to the recall of certain batches of infant formula and of concerns raised directly with the Department, including those conveyed in correspondence and through representative organisations.
Communication of Infant Formula Recalls
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), as the competent authority for food safety, leads the national response when a food business operator (FBO) initiates a product recall. This process is governed by EU food law, including Regulation (EC) 178/2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety.
Where a recall is undertaken by a FBO, the FSAI:
• Publishes food alerts and recall notices to inform consumers;
• Directly notifies relevant official agencies and other agencies, authorities and stakeholders as necessary;
• Ensures dissemination through established media and communication channels, and
• Oversees verification of actions taken by the food business operators.
These procedures ensure that parents, retailers and relevant healthcare providers receive clear and timely information during a food recall.
Timeline of Ministerial Awareness
My Department receives updates from the FSAI regarding food safety incidents and from the HSE/Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) when such an incident is of public-health significance. I am advised accordingly and kept apprised of emerging issues, including those relating to the specific large-scale recall referenced by the Deputy. On 5 January 2026, FSAI were notified by Nestlé of its recall of several SMA branded infant formula and follow-on formula following the detection of cereulide toxin by the FBO. FSAI then informed the Department and continue to engage with my officials on this matter. My Department, together with the FSAI and the HSE, will continue to monitor developments closely.
Safeguards to Minimise the Impact on Families
Ireland’s food-safety regulatory system includes the following -
• Mandatory traceability requirements enabling identification of affected batches,
• Continuous oversight by authorised officers including the HSE/National Environmental Health Service (NEHS), the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and other official agencies operating under service contract to FSAI,
• Participation in the EU-wide Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) ensuring swift cross-border communication, and
• Enforcement measures such as compliance notices and closure orders, where required.
These safeguards support timely intervention, protect vulnerable consumers such as infants, and minimise disruption to families, as much as possible.
Engagement with Food Business Operators
The FSAI, DAFM, and the HSE/NEHS continue to engage with the FBOs associated with this food incident and with the relevant Irish businesses involved in the recall. Food business operators are obliged to cooperate fully with competent authorities, supply all necessary traceability and distribution data, and implement corrective actions. The FSAI also liaises with the UK Food Standards Agency. My Department is kept informed of these engagements.
Correspondence Received and Follow-Up
I can confirm that my attention has been drawn to correspondence from stakeholders regarding this recall. This is being examined, and the Department is engaging with the appropriate agencies to determine any follow-up which may be required.
In relation to the request for a meeting, my Department will examine the issues raised, assess the appropriateness of such a meeting in the context of ongoing regulatory actions, and revert to the organisation through the appropriate channels.
