Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1109. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken in relation to the fact that infant formula that was removed from shelves across Europe was also sold in Ireland, despite assurances to the contrary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9878/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy’s question regarding the sale of infant formula in Ireland that had been subject to recall across Europe, I can confirm that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority responsible for food safety, including the management and communication of food recalls, in accordance with food safety legislation. The FSAI leads the national response to food safety risks, as governed by EU food law, including Regulation (EC) 178/2002.
On 23 January 2026, the 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. However, on 26 January 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.
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 (DAFM) are continuing to work closely with the manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that all necessary food safety measures are in place to protect consumers. These actions include changes to suppliers of the affected raw ingredients and increased scrutiny of supply chains.
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.
Both the FSAI and DAFM 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.
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.
