Lactalis Recalls Baby Formula From 18 Countries, Including Uzbekistan

French food group Lactalis announced a global recall of six batches of Picot baby formula amid concerns they may contain a toxin.

The recall affects products sold in Australia, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Greece, Kuwait, Madagascar, Mexico, Monaco, Spain, Peru, Taiwan and Uzbekistan.

Lactalis said the batches were being withdrawn because tests found cereulide in an ingredient supplied by a third party. The company did not identify the supplier.

Cereulide, a toxin produced by bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, the statement said. Lactalis provided a list of six lot numbers and insisted that all other batches were safe.

«We are fully aware that this information may cause concern among parents of young children,» the company said, adding that French authorities had not received any complaints or reports linked to the consumption of the affected products.

The recall comes amid a wave of similar actions in the infant formula industry. Singapore regulators last Saturday recalled Dumex formula, a brand owned by Danone, after a small number of pallets were blocked before reaching shelves.

Earlier this month, Nestle recalled batches of its Guigoz and Nidal formulas in several European countries. The company said the move was preventive after investigations suggested cereulide could be present.

French health officials said that they were investigating the death of a baby who had consumed milk from one of the Nestle batches, but no connection has yet been established.