France's Lactalis recalls 12 million boxes of powdered baby milk in salmonella scare

French dairy group Lactalis says more than 12 million boxes of powdered baby milk in 83 countries have been recalled in connection with salmonella contamination, the BBC reports.

A view shows the Celia dairy company's infant milk factory, which is part of the Lactalis Group, in Craon, western France, Jan 12, 2018. Reuters A view shows the Celia dairy company's infant milk factory, which is part of the Lactalis Group, in Craon, western France, Jan 12, 2018. Reuters

The logo of Lactalis Group is seen at the entrance of the French dairy group Lactalis headquarters in Laval, western France, Jan 12, 2018. Reuters The logo of Lactalis Group is seen at the entrance of the French dairy group Lactalis headquarters in Laval, western France, Jan 12, 2018. Reuters

France bans, orders international recall of Lactalis baby formula

The company’s products were recalled in December after the bacteria was discovered at a factory. Lactalis says they believe the contamination was caused by renovation work at the location.

The French government has banned products from the factory indefinitely during the investigation.

Bangladesh was one of the countries involved in the recall. 

The logo of Lactalis Group is seen at the entrance of the French dairy group Lactalis headquarters in Laval, western France, Jan 12, 2018. Reuters

Thirty-five children have fallen ill in France and at least one other in Spain due to the milk. A possible case in Greece is being investigated. The parents of several children have filed cases against Lactalis over the incident.

Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, particularly for young children.

The Lactalis group is one of the largest dairy product producers in the world with $21 billion in annual sales.

The firm has issued recalls three times.

The French government says Lactalis will be penalised for the incident.

In 2008, six children were killed in China after drinking melamine-infected baby milk.