French wine makers face legal action over birth defects

State prosecutors in France are investigating whether manufacturers of alcoholic drinks should face legal action for failing to warn pregnant women about the dangers of alcohol.

Prosecutors in Lille, northern France, opened a probe after complaints from three mothers in Roubaix, just north of Lille, who gave birth to children with fetal alcohol syndrome. The syndrome can lead to physical abnormalities, mental impairment, and behavioural problems.

Benoit Titran, the lawyer representing the three mothers—who have formed an association called Esper (“Ecoute, santé, parents, enfants, respect”)—said that …