Authorities say investigations are underway, but no link has been established between the infant's death and the milk from the Swiss giant that he consumed.

French health authorities indicated on Tuesday that investigations were underway following the death of a baby who consumed infant milk produced by Nestlé and affected by a large recall, although it was not possible at this stage to establish a direct link.

"To date, only one report—that is, a serious situation requiring epidemiological investigation—has been submitted to the Directorate General of Health, concerning the death of an infant," the Health Crisis Center, a service under the Ministry of Health, told AFP, confirming information from Radio France and Ouest France. "The epidemiological and food safety investigation is still underway," the source added, specifying that "the causal link between this death and the consumption of the product implicated in the recall has not been established at this stage."

Nestlé, the Swiss food giant, has been carrying out a large-scale recall of Guigoz and Nidal brand infant milks for several weeks due to the potential presence of a bacterium, Bacillus cereus, which can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting, with sometimes serious complications.

"Precautionary measure"

The recall now affects some sixty countries, including Switzerland, and Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil apologized in mid-January for the situation, as the group is accused by some NGOs of having been slow to take action and communicate on the matter. "I want to reassure you that no cases of illness linked to the affected products have been confirmed so far," he emphasized, insisting that it was a "precautionary" measure.

The French Ministry of Health reminds the public that "anyone who has purchased the recalled batches, which are listed on the RappelConso website, should immediately stop consuming and using them and contact the consumer service." The same source adds that "anyone whose children have consumed the products and are experiencing diarrhea and vomiting should consult their doctor and inform them of this consumption."

"Health authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance over the situation. The Directorate General of Health and the Directorate General of Food, along with their agencies, are in close coordination and are ensuring enhanced monitoring of the situation," the ministry added.