Baby formula maker calls global recall over salmonella fears
Paris, Dec 12 (AP) Baby milk maker Lactalis and Frenchauthorities have ordered a global recall of millions ofproducts over fears of salmonella bacteria contamination.
The French company, one of the world's largest dairygroups, said it was warned by health authorities in Francethat 26 infants have become sick since December 1.
According to a list published on the French healthministry's website, the recall affects customers in countriesaround the world, including: Britain and Greece in Europe,Morocco and Sudan in Africa, Peru and Colombia in SouthAmerica and Pakistan, Bangladesh and China in Asia.
The United States, a major market for Lactalis, is notaffected.
Company spokesman Michel Nalet told The Associated Presson Monday that the "precautionary" recall involves "severalmillion" products made since mid-February.
Lactalis said in a statement that the 26 cases ofinfection were linked to products branded Picot SL, PeptiJunior 1, Milumel Bio 1 and Picot Riz.
It said it is "sincerely sorry for the concern generatedby the situation and expresses its compassion and support tothe families whose children fell ill."The symptoms of salmonella infection include abdominalcramps, diarrhea and fever. Most people recover withouttreatment.
The company said a possible source of the outbreak hasbeen identified in a tower used to dry out the milk at aproduction site. Disinfection and cleaning measures have beenput in place at the suspected site in western France.
The health scare started earlier this month when Lactaliswas told that 20 infants under six months of age had beendiagnosed with salmonella infection. The company ordered afirst recall that has been extended to more products at therequest of French authorities following new reports ofinfections.
Lactalis is a privately held company headquartered inLaval, western France. It has 75,000 employees in 85 countriesand annual revenues of about 17 billion euros (USD 20billion).
Its other notable brands include President and Galbanicheeses and Parmalat milk. (AP)UZM.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.