KUALA LUMPUR – Cronobacter Sakazakii and Salmonella Newport bacteria have been detected in two infant formulas manufactured by Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis from the United States of America (USA).
Director-General of Health, Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has taken note of the report by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) on the finding of the bacteria in the state infant formula.
According to him, the investigation by MOH through the Food Safety and Quality Division found that only two infant formulas were affected, namely, the Similac Alimentum (400 gram) and Similac Human Milk Fortifier (0.9gx50 sachets).
He said, the affected products have batch numbers starting from digit 22 until 37 on its barcode and has K8, SH or Z2 on the container. It also has the expiry date of 1 April 2022 and above.
“MOH has also imposed the auto-rejection at all entry points of the country on those products.
“Besides that, the MOH had contacted Abbott Laboratories (M) Sdn. Bhd. and verified that the company had recalled all affected products voluntarily from the local market and took proactive action by contacting retailers, distributors and institutions that have purchased their product and stop its sales,” he said in a statement today.
Therefore, Dr Noor Hisham urged all retailers including online retailers who still keep stocks of the product to stop its sales and contact the District Health Office.
He also advised parents and caretakers to identify the batch code of the infant formula, stop using the affected products, monitor their baby’s health and seek immediate treatment if their baby suffers symptoms after drinking the infant formula.
According to him, the Cronobacter Sakazakii bacteria is widely found in the environment and can live in dry condition, such as, the infant formula.
“Cronobacter infection could cause meningitis or sepsis. However, it is rare and the symptoms are fever, no appetite and lethargy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Noor Hisham said that the MOH is always aware and concerned about matters that could threaten the health of consumers.
The consumers may also contact their nearest District of State Health Offices or visit http://moh.spab.gov.my or the Facebook page of Food Safety and Quality Division at www.facebook.com/bkkmhq is they have any queries about food safety. – MalaysiaGazette
