Nestle Hong Kong has recalled 21 batches of baby milk formula in the city amid a global scare over potential contamination with a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting.
The Centre for Food Safety said on Tuesday evening that the discovery was made after it followed up on a voluntary precautionary recall by Nestle of certain batches of infant formula in parts of Europe, as some raw materials might contain substances derived from the microorganism Bacillus cereus.
“According to the latest information from Nestle HK [on Tuesday], 21 batches of its powdered infant and young children formula imported into Hong Kong might have used the raw material concerned,” the centre said.
“As a precautionary measure, Nestle HK has voluntarily stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected products and has initiated a precautionary recall.”
Consumers can call the company’s hotline, 2599 8874, during office hours to ask about the recall.
The centre said Bacillus cereus was commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions during food production or storage could lead to its proliferation, it added.
“Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced in food by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea,” it said.
The centre urged members of the public not to allow infants or young children to consume products from the affected batches, and that parents should seek prompt medical help if their child experiences any discomfort upon the consumption of the milk formula.
Among the 21 batches are the product lines of Nestle Nan, such as Nan PRO 3 BL 2 HMO (800g), and Wyeth Nutrition, including Illuma HA3 BL 2 HMO (800g). Some of the products cost up to HK$545 a can.
The European product recall began on a smaller scale in December, and the company said on Monday that no illnesses or symptoms had been confirmed that were tied to any of the recalled products, according to Reuters.
Nestle holds almost a quarter of the world’s US$92.2 billion infant nutrition market, according to analysis firm SkyQuest Technology Group.
Nestle recalled batches of its SMA, Beba and Nan products in Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and Britain. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
