French baby milk formula, Lactalis, is recalling products worldwide over fears of salmonella contamination.

Products are being recalled from Britain, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sudan.

Health authorities in France have said that 26 children have fallen ill since the beginning of December.

Lactalis covers hundreds of baby milk products including Milumel, Picot and Celi brands and is one of the world's biggest dairy producers.

Company spokesman Michel Nalet told AFP "nearly 7,000 tonnes" of production may have been contaminated, but the company is currently unable to say how much remains on the market, has been consumed or is in stock.

Lactalis believes the salmonella outbreak can be traced to a tower used to dry out the milk powder at its factory in the town of Craon in northwest France, according to AFP.

Salmonella bacteria can cause food poisoning and symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

The illness, caused by intestinal bacteria from farm animals, is dangerous for the very young and elderly because of the risk of dehydration.