Germany probes Israel baby food

Remedia is popular among Orthodox Jews in Israel

German prosecutors have begun an investigation into a company that produces a brand of soy-based baby feed destined for the Israeli market.

Israel has withdrawn the product after at least two babies died and many more were left seriously ill.

The Humana company has already admitted that the product contained a tenth of the advertised quantity of vitamin B1.

Lack of vitamin B1 - vital to brain development - can cause a condition called Beri-Beri, which can kill.

There is no firm proof yet that the absence of the vitamin, B1, from the feed was the reason behind the deaths and illnesses.

Two of the babies who died had other illnesses that might have contributed to their deaths, said doctors.

Thousands of Israeli babies are thought to have been given the feed, which is also thought to be popular in orthodox Jewish communities in the US.

Investigations

Kosher Super Soya 1 is made for the Israel-based Remedia company by Humana Milchunion, one of Germany's largest baby milk producers.

A spokesman for German prosecutors said they were investigating Humana on preliminary suspicions of causing death by negligence and breaching food safety standards.

On Tuesday, the company admitted the deficient quantity of vitamin B1 - saying it was a production error - and promised full co-operation with the authorities.

Israeli prosecutors are also investigating the distributor, Remedia, over allegations that they knew of the change to the product. Remedia denies this.

US food giant Heinz owns a stake in the Israeli firm.

The Food and Drug Administration in the US is looking into the issue, as Jewish communities there also use Remedia.

It is reported that the formula has been taken off shelves in heavily Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods in New York.