THE Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) issued a joint statement confirming that the suspension is a precautionary measure while investigations are ongoing.
“There have been no confirmed cases of illness related to the consumption of the affected Nestlé infant formula in Singapore so far,” the agencies stated.
The alert comes after the European Commission Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed and the International Food Safety Authorities Network notified authorities of recalls of the same products in other countries.
The affected batches, all manufactured in Switzerland, include NAN HA 3 SupremePro (53030017C1 and 53030017B1), NAN HA 2 SupremePro (51420017C4), and NAN HA 1 SupremePro (51460017C2 and 51470017C1).
Cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria, can provoke nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, with symptoms typically arising between 30 minutes and six hours after ingestion.
The SFA and CDA emphasised that infants are particularly susceptible to complications and noted that no international standards currently exist for acceptable levels of cereulide in infant formula or other foods.
CDA is actively monitoring hospitals for potential cases of cereulide poisoning in children and is collaborating closely with SFA as investigations continue.
“Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to feed them to their children,” the agencies added, urging parents to seek medical attention promptly if their children become unwell.
A spokesperson for Nestlé Singapore told CNA that the company had reviewed all stocks and identified two batches requiring additional scrutiny. Subsequent laboratory tests, however, confirmed that these were safe for consumption.
“We also confirm that all other products sold by Nestlé Singapore are safe,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company is working with SFA to provide full transparency on the situation.
The initial recall was issued in Europe, but the alert has since spread to countries across Africa, the Americas and Asia. Health warnings have been issued in at least 37 nations, including most European countries, Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico and South Africa, though no illnesses linked to the batches have been reported.
Nestlé explained that it had tested all arachidonic acid oil and related oil mixtures used in the potentially affected products after identifying a quality issue in an ingredient supplied by a major vendor.
The company is increasing production and engaging alternative suppliers to maintain the supply of its infant formula. - January 9, 2025
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