UK babies death: British police charges drugs company for providing contaminated food

British police have charged a drugs company over contaminated food given to premature babies after deaths were reported.

London police said Wednesday that ITH Pharma would face seven counts of supplying a faulty medicinal product and failing to take adequate steps to prevent patients from becoming infected.

The investigation started after three babies died and 20 more needed treatment after contracting septicemia in 2014.

The infants who died were treated at St. Thomas' Hospital in London and Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge.

The London-based company said in a statement it was "disappointed by the decision to charge the company and will vigorously defend this case."

ITH Pharma said it has "every sympathy for all the families affected regardless of the cause." It also says the company has excellent environmental monitoring in place and works closely with regulators to assure quality and safety.

Its representatives are due in Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 17.

(With inputs from agencies.)