French investigators are examining the deaths of two infants who had consumed baby formula products that were subject to precautionary recalls earlier this month, the French health ministry said on Friday.

One of the babies, who died in Pessac in southwestern France, had been fed Guigoz powder milk produced by Swiss company Nestlé, the Bordeaux prosecutor confirmed.

Authorities are investigating the possible cause of the death. The infant formula consumed by the second baby has not been immediately identified.

The French health ministry stressed that there is currently no evidence linking the deaths to the recalled formula products. Both Nestlé and the French company Lactalis, which also recalled batches of infant milk, emphasized that the recalls were precautionary.

Lactalis’ products were withdrawn in 18 countries, while Nestlé recalled batches in multiple markets. Another French company, Danone, blocked a batch of formula specifically produced for Singapore.

The recalled products were potentially contaminated with cereulide, a toxin known to cause nausea and vomiting. Investigators have traced the source of the contamination to oil rich in arachidonic acid (ARA) supplied by a Chinese manufacturer, according to the French farm ministry.

The ministry said further analyses are underway and that the cases are being formally investigated by public prosecutors. It noted that the launch of an inquiry is standard procedure following the suspicious death of an infant. Results from the first judicial inquiry are expected within the next 10 days.

Nestlé said in a statement that, “As stated by the authorities, at this stage nothing indicates any link between these tragic events and the consumption of our products.” Lactalis said it had received no official reports from health authorities regarding the deaths.

Reuters