France probes dairy giant over salmonella contamination

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into dairy giant Lactalis after it was linked to cases of salmonella contamination, local media reported on Tuesday.

The health division of the Paris prosecutor's office launched a preliminary probe into "involuntary injuries", "putting in danger the life of others" and "non-performance of recall procedure", said local broadcaster Europe1.

On December 11, the country's consumer protection agency, DGCCRF, decided to halt the sale of several baby formula milk and baby food products made by Lactalis and also ordered an international recall of all these products after the discovery of salmonella bacteria.

Following 20 cases of salmonella infection of infant in France, the company, one of the world's leading dairy producers, recalled nearly 7,000 tons of packets produced by a contaminated factory in Craon, northwest France.

The salmonella agona bacteria is dangerous for the very young and elderly. It provokes severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)