Lactalis recalled infant formula in 2018 after a Salmonella outbreak was linked to its French factory.
The recall involved powdered infant formula produced at Lactalis’s Craon plant in France. Products sold under multiple brand names were withdrawn after Salmonella Agona infections were linked to formula made there. The recall expanded internationally as authorities identified more potentially affected batches.
Powdered formula is not sterile, and contamination can have serious consequences for infants because they are particularly vulnerable to gastrointestinal infection and dehydration. Lactalis halted production at the facility and undertook cleaning and investigation measures.
The event is sometimes confused with formula recalls involving Cronobacter, another pathogen associated with infant illness. The Lactalis outbreak was specifically associated with Salmonella Agona. It also highlighted how one manufacturing site can affect numerous brands and countries through a shared supply chain.