Prosecutors in Paris have opened investigations into five baby formula manufacturers after several issued mass recalls over concerns their product contained a toxin.
Nestle, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio and La Marque en moins will be probed over whether there was any criminal wrongdoing in distributing baby formula that may have been contaminated with cereulide.
French authorities have received complaints from eight individuals who reported their child vomited after consuming baby formula.
Last week, Nestle and Danone issued recalls in more than 60 countries, including the UK, over potentially contaminated batches.
At least 36 infants in the UK have suffered from suspected food poisoning after consuming baby formula, officials have said.
Cereulide is a toxin which is unlikely to be destroyed through cooking or when making baby milk. If consumed, it can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
The toxin was linked to an ingredient called arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which is added to simulate some of the growth properties of breast milk.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) stated that a third-party supplier of ARA was the source of the contamination and has ceased usage of that supplier, widely thought to be Cabio Biotech of Wuhan, China.
Prosecutors will also investigate a potential link between the tainted formula and the deaths of three babies in France, although no evidence currently indicates such a connection.
As the situation develops, both Nestle and Danone are working to reassure consumers regarding existing stock and have pledged to ramp up baby formula production in their facilities to meet demand.
