A joint public health alert has been issued by Macao’s Pharmaceutical Supervision and Administration Bureau (ISAF) and the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) regarding several batches of Nestlé and Wyeth Nutrition infant formula. The products are suspected to be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, including symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach cramps. The alert was issued after Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety advised the public to stop consuming certain powdered infant and young children formulas made by Nestlé due to the potential contamination.
The ISAF and IAM have demanded the removal and recall of the affected batches and an immediate stop to the sale of related products. Inspectors have been dispatched to conduct market checks, and major importers have been contacted. The bureaus confirmed that some of the implicated products had been imported by local suppliers and pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely.
Nestlé has initiated a global recall of some baby formula products due to concerns they may contain cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Although there have been no verified reports of illness connected to the products, the company is conducting the recall “out of an abundance of caution.” Nestlé has emphasized that all other Nestlé products and batches not included in the recall are entirely safe for consumption and has offered a full refund to customers.
The issue is attributed to an ingredient supplied by one of Nestlé’s vendors. A full list of the affected products is available, and consumers are advised to check the list and return any affected products to the place of purchase for a refund. The recall and alert highlight the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of infant formula products, and regulatory agencies and manufacturers are taking swift action to protect public health. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as necessary.