Dairy company recalls millions of baby milk products over salmonella fears after 26 infants become sick
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One of the world's largest baby -milk makers has been forced to recall millions of products over fears they are contaminated with salmonella.
French company Lactalis ordered the global recall after it was warned by health authorities that at least 26 infants had become sick since December 1.
Company spokesman Michel Nalet said “nearly 7,000 tonnes” of product may have been contaminated and could not confirm how much remained on the market.
The company said a possible source of the outbreak has been identified in a tower used to dry out the milk at a production site.
(Image: AFP)
A statement from the French economy ministry said the measures put in place by Lactalis since December 2 were “not sufficient to manage the risk of contamination” and a recall was the only option.
The symptoms of salmonella infection include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea and fever.
The illness, which is caused by intestinal bacteria from farm animals, is extremely dangerous for the very young and elderly because it can cause dehydration.
(Image: Getty)
The French babies affected have all recovered and no causes have yet been reported abroad, Mr Nalet said.
Lactalis employs 75,000 people in 85 countries, with a turnover of 17 billion euros (£15 billion.)
The recall includes products for export, including to China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Lebanon, Sudan, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Colombia and Peru.