Infant milks intended for infants between 0 and 6 months have been contaminated with salmonella. Contaminated batches should be discontinued and any symptoms monitored.
The health authorities are alerting to the contamination of several infant formulas with salmonella (Salmonella enterica, Agona serotype). The products concerned are first age milks, intended for infants between 0 and 6 months, of the Picot and Milumel brands. The problem currently concerns twelve batches of milk without lactose or palm oil.
List of batches possibly contaminated as of December 2, 2017 (source: Ministry of Health).
It is therefore advisable not to use the infant milks concerned, even when the box has been opened. Lots not appearing in this list are safe to eat. A list of replacement milks has been established by the French Pediatric Society and can be consulted on the ministry website.
Gastroenteritis and / or fever
To date, 20 children under the age of six months, in eight different regions, have been infected. In case of infection, symptoms appear within three days. They cause a picture of gastroenteritis, with nausea and vomiting, diarrhea which can be bloody and often the onset of fever. You should then consult your doctor or pediatrician.
Salmonella is a bacterium present in particular in the intestines of cows. During the manufacturing process of dairy products, it sometimes passes through the cracks of biological control and contaminates a series of batches. It can then be responsible for a serious toxi-infection in infants, with a risk of dehydration or even the spread of the infection (sepsis, meningitis, etc.) in the absence of treatment.
Previous epidemic in 2005
A salmonellosis-like epidemic took place in early 2005 in France. Picot and Blédilait / Gallia infant milks had been contaminated with Agona strain Salmonella. Of the 141 infected infants, just over a third had to be hospitalized. With a favorable outcome for all of them. As to the origin of the contamination, it could not be established with certainty.
This contamination follows a problem that occurred on a production site of the Lactalis group, between mid-July and the end of November. According to France Bleu, this is the Craon site in Mayenne. The company has made available a toll-free number, 0800 120 120, intended to answer consumers’ questions. Open between 9 and 8 p.m., it was not, however, reachable on Sunday, December 3. Either way, if you have any symptoms, it’s best to call your doctor or the nearest poison control center.
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