A group of 16 MEPs led by Laurence Trochu (ECR) has tabled a parliamentary question to the European Commission demanding action to protect EU food sovereignty and safety following the detection of cereulide in infant formula, which has led to hospitalisations and deaths of babies in several EU countries. The MEPs warn that dependence on Chinese-produced arachidonic acid – a key ingredient for replicating breast milk – exposes European consumers to risks from lower production standards abroad.
The question, submitted on 15 April 2026, asks the Commission two concrete things: first, whether it has the means to ensure that third-country producers meet EU quality standards; second, whether it intends to boost European production of strategic products like infant formula, possibly through relocating supply chains. The MEPs frame the issue as a matter of food sovereignty and public safety, linking the contamination crisis to broader concerns about strategic autonomy.
Policy orientation and ambition The question reflects a clear preference for reducing reliance on non-EU suppliers, particularly China, and for strengthening domestic production capacity. It does not set numerical targets or deadlines but calls for a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in essential food inputs. The MEPs implicitly advocate for higher EU-level oversight of imported ingredients and for incentives to relocate production of critical components.
Expected follow-up The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it shares the MEPs' assessment of the risk and whether it is prepared to propose measures to reduce dependency on Chinese-sourced ingredients, such as supporting EU-based fermentation or synthesis of arachidonic acid. The reply will also clarify the Commission's view on its current enforcement powers over third-country production standards.
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