France investigates Lactalis over recall failure, negligence

The probe involves salmonella contamination of infant formula
calendar icon 16 February 2023
clock icon 1 minute read

Dairy giant Lactalis is under criminal investigation in France on charges of failure to carry out product withdrawals and recalls, fraud and negligent bodily harm, Reuters reported, citing the company as its source on Thursday.

"This step marks the beginning of the judicial investigation in which Lactalis will be fully involved and in full France probes dairy giant Lactalis over recall failure, negligence transparency," the company said.

The investigation, which will also look into the smaller company Celia Laiterie de Craon, is linked to a major scandal in 2017 involving salmonella contamination of infant formula, according to French media reports.

"In the coming weeks, we will have access to all the elements in the case and we will be able to respond specifically to the totality of the points raised in this investigation," Lactalis said.

Lactalis, which is a privately held firm, is the world’s largest producer of cheese and one of the world’s largest dairy groups.

Founded in 1933, the company has expanded steadily over generations. Its takeover of Italy's Parmalat in 2011 turned it into a major global player.

Melanie Epp

Melanie Epp is a freelance agricultural journalist from Ontario, Canada.

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