AGRIBUSINESS : Blédine Cereals from French Group Danone Pose Risks in Cameroon

(LVDE) – Cameroon is facing a troubling situation with the continued availability of potentially hazardous Blédine infant cereals on its market. While recalls have already been issued in France and Gabon, the incriminated products remain on store shelves in Cameroon, endangering children’s health.

Since September 15, 2025, a global alert has been issued concerning four references of Blédine infant cereals, a French brand owned by the agri-food giant Danone. The recall was prompted by the detection of toxic substances, notably aflatoxins, which can contaminate foods such as cereals and dried fruits. As carcinogenic toxins, they pose a serious health threat, especially for young children whose immune systems are still fragile.

Danone’s Blédine announced the recall procedure to protect its consumers. The affected cereals include popular flavors such as vanilla, biscuit, banana, and honey, all intended for children aged 6 to 36 months. These products were marketed between March 26 and September 15, 2025, and sold in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the Cameroonian government’s response has been remarkably subdued. The absence of official communication and preventive measures has left many parents in uncertainty. In several large supermarkets in Yaoundé and Douala, Blédine products flagged as dangerous are still available for sale—sometimes even at promotional prices. This raises concerns over the vigilance of authorities in the face of a proven public health risk.

In an investigation conducted by l’Economie (the leading business daily in the CEMAC zone), Panzani, the exclusive distributor of Blédine in Cameroon, declined to comment, stating the matter was beyond its competence. This lack of accountability has fueled confusion and anxiety among consumers.

In contrast, Gabon has taken swift steps to protect its population. On September 22, 2025, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Protection, and Fraud Control (Dgccrf) issued a statement ordering the immediate withdrawal of Blédine products from the Gabonese market. The directive banned their sale and distribution, while urging consumer vigilance and instructing retailers to promptly remove the cereals from their shelves.

The repercussions in Cameroon are particularly alarming, given the country’s significant imports of these cereals. Parents, seeking the safest nutrition for their children, now face a marketplace where potentially dangerous products remain accessible without clear protective measures.

Cameroonian families deserve answers and concrete action from both government authorities and distributors. Children’s health must be an absolute priority, requiring stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. As investigations continue to determine the origin of the contamination, consumers must remain alert and informed.

In conclusion, the current Blédine cereal crisis in Cameroon calls for urgent mobilization from health authorities and market stakeholders to safeguard the most vulnerable. Parents should be aware of the risks and seek safe alternatives while awaiting effective measures to guarantee food safety.

Esther Grace

(Source : Le Journal L’Economie)