Contamination of infant milk: failure of health vigilance and strategic dependence

Question for written answer E-000377/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Catherine Griset (PfE)

Since December 2025 there have been widescale recalls of contaminated infant milk in more than 60 countries, with the blame falling on large European manufacturers dependent on the same ingredient supplier located outside the EU. The recalls came late, despite the precautionary principle enshrined in EU law.

• 1.Can the Commission explain why the European health alert and traceability mechanisms did not provide a quicker and more transparent response given that infants were repeatedly exposed to this contamination?
• 2.Will it learn the lessons from this critical industrial dependence on non-EU inputs by strengthening the application of existing rules on control, the responsibility of industry and securing of supply chains, so that the protection of infants takes precedence over cost concerns and uncontrolled globalisation?

Submitted: 29.1.2026