Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
957. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the procedure whereby the recall of baby formula was communicated to parents, media outlets and other relevant organisations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7433/26]
View answer958. 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. [7434/26]
View answer959. 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. [7435/26]
View answer960. 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. [7436/26]
View answer961. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any communication campaign she is planning to offer reassurance to families in the wake of the mass recall of baby formula (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7437/26]
View answer962. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to the supply of baby formula in Ireland in the wake of the mass recall of baby formula worldwide (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7438/26]
View answer963. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health her views on the impact that the mass recall of baby formula worldwide (details supplied) has had on the confidence of families that use these products; the actions she will take to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7439/26]
View answer1041. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the engagement she is having with the FSAI in relation to the mass recall of baby formula (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7730/26]
View answer1043. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the engagement she has had with the Irish suppliers of baby formula (details supplied) involved in the mass recall to ensure a minimal impact of families and infants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7732/26]
View answer1044. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health the position regarding any communication campaign she is planning to offer reassurance to families in the wake of the mass recall of baby formula (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7733/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 1041, 1043 and 1044 together.
It is proposed to answer parliamentary questions Nos. 7433/26 to 7439/26 and 7730/26, 7732/26 and 7733/26 inclusive as a composite response.
In Ireland, responsibility for food safety, including the management and communication of food recalls, rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which acts as the competent authority under food safety legislation.
FSAI leads the national response when a food safety risk is identified, this process is governed by EU food law, including Regulation (EC) 178/2002.
Communication of the recall and engagement with FSAI
The recall of certain infant formula products arose following information from the manufacturers regarding a potential food safety concern.
When the recall was initiated, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) who regulate manufacturing facilities, which produce infant formula (IF) and follow on formula (FOF) in Ireland, and the FSAI implemented established procedures to ensure that clear, timely and consistent information was provided to the public. This included:
• Direct communication with retailers and distributors to ensure affected products were removed from sale;
• Publication of food safety alerts to inform consumers;
• Engagement with media outlets to disseminate public health advice to parents and caregivers;
• FSAI also liaised with relevant health authorities and consumer stakeholders to ensure that advice was accessible and that it was widely communicated.
In relation to the recent series of recalls associated with infant formula and follow on formula, FSAI communicated with my Department on a regular basis, providing detailed information on the evolving status of the incident and the ongoing response.
FSAI provided updates to my Department on the following dates 5, 10, 13, 22 and 25 January.
My Department continues to remain in contact with FSAI on food safety activities as they arise.
Timeline of the recalls
My Department was informed of the recalls when the issues were identified and assessed by the relevant authorities.
Nestlé
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 food business operator. FSAI then informed my Department and continues to engage with my officials on this matter.
Danone
On 23 January 2026, FSAI were notified by Danone of it’s recall of specific batches of infant formula and follow on formula due to the potential presence of cereulide. At the time, FSAI was notified by Danone that none of the implicated products had been distributed to Ireland.
On 26 January 2026, FSAI were notified by Boots that individual packs of Aptamil 1- From Birth First infant milk from a specific batch which was subject to a recall by Danone, had been distributed by Boots back to ROI due to indirect distribution to Ireland from the UK. The implicated packs were sold via the Boots.ie website for online sales.
FSAI and DAFM continue to engage with the manufacturers to ensure that appropriate food safety measures are being taken to protect consumers.
My Department remains actively engaged with the FSAI as the situation develops, receiving ongoing briefings and updates, ensuring the effective management of the incident as it progresses.
Safeguards to minimise impact
Ireland has robust food safety and incident management systems in place to minimise the impact of large-scale recalls. These include:
• Continuous oversight by official agencies,
• Rapid risk assessment,
• Traceability requirements,
• Coordinated enforcement action, and
• Cross-agency cooperation at national and EU level.
Where necessary, additional sampling, testing and verification measures are undertaken to provide further assurance regarding products placed on the Irish market.
Engagement with suppliers
FSAI has engaged directly with the manufacturers and Irish suppliers involved to obtain full traceability and distribution data, and to ensure that all appropriate precautionary measures were implemented without delay.
My Department has remained in close contact with FSAI throughout this process to ensure that the potential impact on families and infants is minimised.
Public reassurance and communication
My Department continues to support FSAI in providing clear public messaging and reassurance, particularly for families who rely on infant formula. FSAI has developed a dedicated Q&A document to address the likely questions of parents, guardians and caregivers, presenting information in a clear, accessible and proportionate manner. The primary focus of communications has been to provide accurate, evidence-based information to parents and caregivers and to avoid unnecessary alarm. Public advice has been kept under continuous review and is updated as required.
Supply considerations
I am aware of concerns regarding the supply of infant formula following reports of recalls in other jurisdictions. Based on information available to date, FSAI has advised my Department that there is no indication of a widespread shortage of infant formula in Ireland. The situation continues to be monitored closely, including through engagement with EU counterparts and suppliers.
I will continue to keep the situation under review and will be guided by the advice of the relevant public health and food safety authorities.
Impact on public confidence
I acknowledge that food recalls involving infant formula can cause significant concern for families. Maintaining public confidence is critically important and depends on transparency, prompt communication and strong regulatory oversight. The actions taken by FSAI and my Department are aimed at protecting infant health while ensuring that parents receive clear and timely information.
A comprehensive set of safeguards are already in place to minimize risk and safeguard public health.
Key safeguards include:
• Regular inspections and official controls carried out by competent authorities to ensure food businesses comply with legal requirements.
• Enforcement action when a business is found to be non compliant or poses a risk to public health.
• Established recall and withdrawal procedures that allow for the rapid removal of unsafe food from the market.
• Ongoing food safety training and education to ensure food businesses understand and meet their obligations.
• Targeted food testing and surveillance, including monitoring of higher risk foods such as infant formula.
• Public notices are issued through multiple channels—including online updates, media (radio, TV, newspapers), and email alerts—to ensure parents, caregivers, and retailers receive accurate information as quickly as possible. This helps safeguard consumers and supports the protection of public health.
I will continue to keep the situation under review and will be guided by the advice of the relevant public health and food safety authorities.
