Lactalis recalls baby formula over possible salmonella contamination

French dairy company Lactalis is reportedly recalling baby milk powder products over possible salmonella contamination.

The issue was identified after 26 infants in France fell sick since early December, BBC News reported.

Products that are subject to the recall also include exports to China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Morocco, Lebanon, Sudan, Romania, Serbia, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Colombia, and Peru, Reuters reported citing France’s consumer protection agency DGCCRF.

The recalled products were sold under Milumel, Picot, and Celi brands.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted Lactalis spokesman Michel Nalet as saying that close to 7,000t of the total production may have been contaminated with salmonella.

The tower used in making the milk powder at Lactalis’ Craon plant could be the reason for the contamination, according to AFP.

Nalet was further quoted by BFM Television as saying that the products can be exchanged in pharmacies or supermarkets.

The recall covers all the products manufactured at Craon plant since 15 February.

The company is now undertaking new precautionary measures to clean all the equipment at the plant, according to media sources.

Salmonella, a group of bacteria, can cause more serious illness in older adults, infants, and people with chronic diseases.

It can be killed by cooking and pasteurisation.

Symptoms caused by salmonella infection include diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.