Recall of French-made baby milk extended over salmonella fears
A tainted baby milk scandal affecting 30 countries is growing after French dairy giant Lactalis recalled millions more products globally because of fears of salmonella contamination.
Lactalis had already recalled several million baby milk products earlier this month.
Today, the company expanded the recall to all products made in its factory in Craon, western France, since February "as a precautionary measure".
In a statement, Lactalis apologised to customers and said the outbreak began after renovation work earlier this year at the Craon site.
French health authorities said 26 infants fell ill in early December linked to Lactalis products.
The symptoms of salmonella infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and fever. Most people recover without treatment.
The recalls this month affect countries including the UK, Greece, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Morocco, Sudan, Peru and Colombia.
Production has been halted at the Craon site.
Lactalis spokesman Michel Nalet told The Associated Press that the newest recall affects about 30 countries but he did not have a breakdown of which ones.
A French government list earlier this month said countries affected include the UK, Greece, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Sudan, Peru and Colombia. The United States is a major market for Lactalis but is not affected by the recall. The company has production sites in 47 countries, including the US.
The products affected include baby milks sold under the Picot, Milumel and Pepti brand names.
Lactalis is among the world’s biggest dairy producers, with brands including President and Galbani cheeses and Parmalat milk. A privately held, family-run company headquartered in Laval in western France, it has 75,000 employees in 85 countries and annual revenues of about €17bn.
