French authorities investigate two baby deaths after consuming possibly contaminated powdered milk, as major brands recall batches over toxin fears.
BORDEAUX: French health authorities are investigating the deaths of two infants who consumed possibly contaminated powdered milk. Health Minister Stephanie Rist sought to reassure consumers that all suspicious infant formula had been withdrawn from the market.
The infant formula industry has faced multiple recalls in recent weeks over potential contamination with cereulide. This toxin can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
One of the infants, a two-week-old, died on January 8 in Bordeaux after drinking milk from recalled batches. The second baby, aged 27 days, died on December 23 in Angers.
The mother of the second child contacted authorities this week, stating her baby had consumed Nestle milk from a recalled lot. French prosecutors have opened investigations into both deaths.
Authorities stress there is currently no established causal link between the formula and the infants’ deaths. Nestle told AFP it would cooperate fully with the probes.
The company stated there is “no evidence” at this stage linking its products to the fatalities. Nestle had previously pulled batches of infant milk in several European countries on January 6.
In a separate action, Danone announced a precautionary recall of a limited number of specific batches. This followed new guidance from European food safety authorities.
Danone said it was voluntarily recalling two batches in France as a precaution. The move comes after Singaporean authorities recalled Dumex baby formula, a Danone brand, last Saturday.
French group Lactalis also recalled batches in France and other countries over cereulide concerns. The company did not identify the supplier of the tainted ingredient.
Countries affected by the Lactalis recall include Australia, Chile, China, Spain, and Mexico. A company spokesperson confirmed the recall extends to at least 16 nations globally.
