France, Jan. 22 -- The company on Wednesday said the products may contain cereulide, a substance that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and lethargy in babies. It said the recall was launched as a precaution after further testing on prepared bottles.

According to a Radio France investigation, the General Directorate for Food, which oversees food safety within the agriculture ministry, was aware from last Friday, 16 January, that Lactalis had received batches potentially contaminated with cereulide.

Initial tests carried out on finished products did not show levels considered problematic by the authorities, their report found.

Additional checks were later requested on prepared bottles, which revealed higher concentrations of the toxin after...