Investigation in France after the deaths of two infants who had consumed formula withdrawn from the market
Baby bottle. Photo: © Luca Lorenzelli | Dreamstime.com
French investigators are looking into the deaths of two infants who consumed infant formula that was recalled earlier this month, France's Health Ministry said on Friday, according to Reuters.
One of the babies, who died in the southwestern French town of Pessac, had been fed Guigoz milk powder, produced by Swiss group Nestlé. The prosecutor in Bordeaux stated that an investigation is underway to determine the possible cause of death.
The ministry said there was so far no evidence to suggest a link between the deaths and infant formula.
This month, Nestlé and private French group Lactalis recalled several batches of infant formula sold in France due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.
Reuters could not immediately determine what formula the second baby consumed.
Nestlé said it was aware of ongoing investigations.
“As the authorities have stated, at this stage there is no indication of any connection between these tragic events and the consumption of our products,” the company said in an email to Reuters.
The Lactalis Group said it had not received any notification from the health authorities.
Analyzes are ongoing
“Two cases of death among infants have been brought to the attention of the health authorities, involving children who were reported to have consumed the milk formulas affected by the withdrawals from the market. To date, no causal link has been scientifically established,” the Ministry of Health stated in a statement.
“Additional analyzes are underway, and these cases are being investigated by the competent prosecutor's offices,” the statement added.
Opening an inquest is standard procedure in the case of a suspicious infant death.
Prosecutor's offices in Angers, in western France, where the other death occurred, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Lactalis, the world's largest dairy group, has recalled infant milk products in 18 countries, and Nestlé in several dozen states. Another French group, Danone, blocked a batch of infant formula made specifically for the Singapore market.
All three companies stated that the measures were taken as a precaution.
France's Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday that the results of a first judicial inquiry are expected in the next 10 days. According to the institution, investigations have identified an oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA), produced by a Chinese supplier, as the source of the contamination.
Photo: © Luca Lorenzelli | Dreamstime.com
