French dairy giant Danone is yet to make a decision over whether it will launch legal action against New Zealand’s Fonterra.

A spokesperson for Danone told just-food it is “too early to say” whether it will bring legal proceedings against the group after a false alarm prompted Fonterra to recall whey powder concentrate that was thought to be contaminated with a bacteria that can cause botulism. Fonterra had supplied the ingredient, WPC80, to eight customers, including Danone.

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The Fonterra recall prompted Danone to issue consumer recalls of infant formula brands in a number of markets, including China and Australia.

Secondary tests revealed yesterday (28 August) that the ingredient was in fact contaminated with a milder bacteria that does not pose a food safety risk.

“Danone is currently studying the different steps that led to this situation,” the spokesperson confirmed.

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