Two baby formula products from US recalled due to possible bacteria contamination, says Health Ministry

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has issued alerts over two powdered infant formula products from the United States over fears they may be contaminated with bacteria and could cause illnesses if consumed.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the US Food and Drug Authorities had reported the discovery of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella Newport bacteria in formula products produced by Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis facility in Michigan, US.

Investigations by the Health Ministry through its Food Safety and Quality Division found two infant formula products involved, namely Similac Alimentum (400g) and Similac Human Milk Fortifier (0.9g x 50 sachets).

The public is advised to not use the products if the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37, the code on the container contains K8, SH, or Z2, and the expiration date is April 1, 2022, or later.

"The Health Ministry has also imposed auto-rejection at all international entry points on the products involved.

"All traders including online traders with stock of the affected products shall immediately cease sale and contact the nearest district health office.

"Parents and guardians are advised to identify the batch code of the infant formula in question and stop using the products involved and monitor the baby’s health as well as seek immediate treatment if the baby has symptoms after consuming the formula," said Dr Noor Hisham in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 23).

He added that the ministry had also contacted the company Abbott Laboratories (M) Sdn Bhd, which confirmed that it has made a voluntary recall involving the products and has taken proactive action by contacting purchasers including retailers, distributors and institutions.

Dr Noor Hisham said the bacterium C. sakazakii was widely found in the environment and can survive in dry conditions such as in infant formula.

While a Cronobacter infection can cause meningitis or sepsis, he said it rarely occurs and usually the symptoms shown by the infant would be fever, lack of appetite and lethargy.

Dr Noor Hisham added that concerns on any food safety issues can be directed to any district health office, health department, the Health Ministry website at moh.spab.gov.my or its Food Safety and Quality and Division at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq.

In a statement provided by a company spokesperson, Abbott noted that no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either C. sakazakii or S. Newport, or other pathogens, and that they are continuing to test all their infant formula products before distribution.

It said: "In Malaysia, only Alimentum and Human Milk Fortifier are impacted by this proactive recall.

"No other Abbott nutrition products – including Similac – distributed in Malaysia are affected by this recall and consumers can continue to use these products with confidence.

"If parents have Alimentum and Human Milk Fortifier, do not use the product and talk to their healthcare professional about suitable, alternative feeding options.

"If parents have questions, please contact us at 1-800-88-6233 or email us at [e-mail]."

Kenyataan Akhbar Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia Isu Produk Rumusan Bayi di Amerika Syarikat Yang Dikesan Mengandungi Cronobacter Sakazakii dan Salmonela Newport Keluaran Abbot Nutrition pic.twitter.com/6kMyvU9BCn — KKMalaysia