Headlines - Recall of infant formula due to possible contamination with Salmonella serotype Agona

Health authorities have been informed by the National Reference Center for Salmonella of the contamination of 22 infants under 6 months of age with Salmonella serotype Agona in 9 different regions. The infected children presented with febrile gastroenteritis, with bloody diarrhea in the majority of cases.Preliminary investigation results show that 17 of the 18 children whose families have been interviewed to date all consumed stage 1 infant formula from the Picot and Milumel brands: Picot SL lactose-free stage 1 formula, 350g; Pepti Junior lactose-free stage 1 formula, 460g; and Milumel Bio Stage 1 900g, palm oil-free (batch numbers are listed on the Ministry of Health’s website). All affected products were manufactured between mid-July and late November at the same Lactalis Group production site. The Company has today initiated the withdrawal and recall of the 12 affected batches. It has also made a toll-free number available to parents—0800 120 120 (open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM)—to answer their questions. The French Society of Pediatrics, contacted on an emergency basis, has issued recommendations regarding alternative milk formulas (see the list of replacement formulas on the Ministry of Health’s website).Cans of milk from these brands not affected by the recall (other batch numbers) are safe to consume. Families have also been advised to consult their primary care physician or pediatrician if a child who has consumed one of the affected products within the past three days develops symptoms of gastroenteritis.