France bans the sale and orders a recall of several baby formula milk and baby food products made by French dairy giant Lactalis after the discovery of salmonella bacteria.
ADVERTISEMENTFears of a widespread salmonella outbreak have caused a major French diary producer to recall several baby formula milk and food products.
Baby milk produced by Lactalis is marketed globally under a host of brand names in countries as far apart as China, Britain and Sudan.
The recall follows 20 cases of salmonella infection of infants in France in early December prompting a limited recall of 12 Lactalis products. A further five cases of infection with the 'salmonella agona' bacteria. have since been reported
A company spokesman said nearly 7,000 tonnes of production may have been contaminated, but the company is unable to say currently how much remains on the market, has been consumed or is in stock.
None of the 26 victims in France has died.
The French consumer protection agency, the DGCCRF , has criticised the company, saying Lactalis did not do enough to prevent the risk of infection.
Salmonella is dangerous for the very young and elderly because of the risk of dehydration.