Why did Nestle delay reporting a toxin in baby milk?

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Nestle Acknowledges Delay in Reporting Toxin After Health Risk Analysis

Nestle acknowledged a delay of several days in reporting the detection of a toxin in its baby milk to authorities, stating that the company waited for a health risk analysis to be completed. This analysis was initiated after routine checks at its Dutch factory detected "very low levels" of cereulide, a bacterial toxin, following the installation of new equipment. The company maintained that it acted as soon as an issue was identified and denied accusations of negligence.
Toxin Detected During Routine Checks

In late November, routine checks at Nestle's Dutch plant identified the presence of cereulide, a bacterial toxin. This detection occurred after the installation of new equipment. While regulations do not specify a maximum limit for cereulide, the company halted production and conducted further tests.
Health Risk Assessment Preceded Regulatory Notification

Following the initial detection, Nestle proceeded with a "health risk analysis" before informing regulatory bodies. French newspaper Le Monde reported that this analysis took approximately 10 days, with the company only notifying Dutch, European, and other national authorities on December 10. This notification preceded the company's precautionary recall of products.
Precautionary Recall Initiated Across Europe

After informing authorities on December 10, Nestle initiated a precautionary recall of 25 batches of infant formula manufactured since the new equipment was installed. The recall encompassed products distributed across 16 European countries. The company stated that these actions were taken as soon as the issue was identified.
Nestle Denies Negligence, Cites Lack of Illness Link

Nestle has refuted claims of negligence made by campaign group Foodwatch France, which announced it was filing a legal complaint. The company asserted that it had seen no evidence linking its products to illness and that the recall was due to a "quality issue." Nestle also noted that to date, no medical reports have confirmed a link between the recalled products and any reported illnesses, including investigations into the deaths of two babies.

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Why did Nestle delay reporting a toxin in baby milk?

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