French prosecutors have opened five investigations into potential contamination of infant formula produced by Nestlé, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins, following widespread recalls of baby milk products. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced the investigations on Wednesday, citing concerns over products potentially tainted with the toxin cereulide.
The investigations, initiated at the conclude of January, center on the endangerment of third parties, according to Beccuau. The Paris prosecutor’s office assumed responsibility for the case due to the “number of complaints” received and the complex evaluation of “regulatory and health aspects.” A complaint filed by eight families and the organization Foodwatch also contributed to the decision to take over the investigation.
France’s Central Office for the Fight against Environmental and Health Offences (OCLAESP) and the specialized unit BNEVP, which investigates crimes related to animal and plant health, are participating in the investigations. Separate, ongoing investigations by prosecutors in Angers, Bordeaux, and Blois will also continue, Beccuau stated.
The crisis began in early January when Nestlé recalled dozens of batches of infant formula in approximately 60 countries due to potential cereulide contamination. Danone and Lactalis, along with smaller manufacturers, subsequently initiated recalls of infant formula in several countries. According to a report from Euronews, the recalls are a result of fears over toxic contamination.
Cereulide is a bacterial toxin that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Authorities suspect that a substance manufactured in China, containing arachidonic acid – an critical nutrient for infants – may be the source of the contamination. Bloomberg News reported that both Nestlé and Danone are cited in the widening probe.
The investigations arrive as Nestlé, Lactalis, and Danone face court action over the infant formula scandal, according to Food Ingredients First. Danone and Lactalis are embroiled in a global crisis related to the contamination, DairyReporter.com reported.
