Colombia Risk Assessment: Invima Clarification

Colombia Risk Assessment: Invima Clarification

January 20, 2026 Victoria Sterling Business

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The clarification came after an international alert ​regarding the detection of the toxin in a batch of the‍ product.

La ‍autoridad sanitaria colombiana informó que un lote de alimento en polvo para bebé,marca Kabrita,fue alertado por los sistemas ‌de alerta temprana de la Unión Europea (RASFF),plataformas que reportaron la presencia de toxina cereulida en dicho lote.

No ‍obstante, tras las verificaciones ​realizadas en territorio nacional, la autoridad sanitaria determinó que el producto no ingresó ​a los canales legales de comercialización en colombia, razón‌ por la cual no fue necesario ordenar un retiro del mercado (recall).

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that *Bacillus cereus* is commonly found in the surroundings and in foods like rice, vegetables, and milk.The primary danger⁢ of cereulide is its heat stability; it is not easily‌ destroyed by cooking or industrial processing.The ⁢European Food safety Authority (EFSA) highlights this resistance to heat as⁤ a significant concern ‍for food safety.

Cereulide is classified as an emetic toxin, meaning it induces ⁢vomiting. Symptoms typically appear rapidly, between 30 minutes and‍ 6 hours ⁢after consuming contaminated food. The World ‌Health Organization (WHO) notes that‍ symptoms can also include nausea and abdominal cramps.⁤ While typically self-limiting, severe cases may require medical attention.

## INVIMA Alert and current Status ‍(as of January 20, 2026)

As⁢ of January 20,​ 2026, the original alert from December 27, 2025, remains in effect. INVIMA’s official website continues to feature the warning, advising consumers to be vigilant when purchasing milk powder. The ⁢alert⁢ specifically warns⁢ against purchasing products from unofficial channels and ​encourages consumers to⁢ verify the registration status of products on the INVIMA website. INVIMA’s⁢ product registration consultation tool allows‌ consumers to check the legitimacy of products by their registration number.

Recent reports from El Colombiano (January ⁢18, 2026) indicate that INVIMA is working with local authorities to ‍identify and remove the counterfeit product from circulation. ‌The⁣ report also states that investigations are underway to determine the source of the contamination and the extent​ of the distribution network.No further alerts or updates have been‌ issued by INVIMA as the initial warning.

## *Bacillus cereus* and Food Safety Regulations in Colombia

INVIMA Resolution 2008-R-0036 establishes the microbiological standards for food, including limits for *Bacillus cereus* in various ⁢food products. These regulations aim to minimize the risk of​ contamination⁢ and ‍protect public health. ‌the‍ resolution mandates that⁣ food‍ producers implement Hazard Analysis and critical Control Points (HACCP) systems to identify and control potential hazards, including⁢ *Bacillus cereus*.Failure to⁤ comply with⁢ these ‌regulations can result in fines, product ‍recalls, and legal action.

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