More than 12 million boxes of powdered baby milk have now been recalled in 83 countries in a salmonella scandal involving French company Lactalis.

The dairy firm's CEO, Emmanuel Besnier, confirmed the extent of the contamination risk to French media.

The products have been subject to a recall since December, after salmonella bacteria was discovered at a factory.

Lawsuits have been filed by parents who say their children became unwell after drinking the formula.

The Lactalis group is one of the world's largest producers of dairy products, with annual sales of €17bn ($21bn; £15bn),

Recalls have now been issued by the firm three times, and cover a range of products sold under brands owned by the group.

The company has said they believe the contamination was caused by renovation work at their Celia factory in Craon, in north-west France.

France's agriculture minister said products from the factory will be banned indefinitely whilst the investigation is still ongoing.

The French government has warned the company it must expect penalties over its handling of the affair.

They also threatened to impose sanctions against retailers on Thursday, after it emerged that several major supermarket chains had continued to sell products that could have been contaminated.