Lactalis recall to hit firm's reputation

French baby milk maker Lactalis Groupe's ongoing recall of thousands of products over fears of salmonella bacteria contamination in China is expected to hurt its brand reputation among Chinese consumers and have a negative impact on its market share in the country, according to industry experts.

The French company, one of the world's largest dairy groups, said it was warned by health authorities in France that 26 infants had become sick since Dec 1. As a result, Lactalis decided to recall products produced since Feb 15.

China is among the countries around the world where customers are affected by the recall, according to a list published on the French health ministry's website.