CFS urges public not to consume batch of powdered infant formula
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department continues to actively follow up on the precautionary recall of certain batches of powdered infant and young children formula in different areas worldwide due to possible presence of Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus in the individual raw material. The CFS today (February 3) said it earlier noted through its Food Incident Surveillance System that certain batches of Aptamil powdered infant and young children formula are being recalled by the German authority as the products might contain Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus. The CFS has been very concerned about the incident, and has followed up immediately, including contacting the local importers, retailers and relevant authorities, as well as inspecting retail outlets in the market. The CFS has earlier published a food incident post online to inform the public and the trade of the incident. According to the latest investigation result today, a local retailer had sold a small quantity of one affected batch of the powdered infant formula concerned. For the sake of prudence, the retailer concerned has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected product and has initiated a precautionary recall according to the CFS's instructions.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g
Brand: Aptamil
Pack size: 800 grams
Place of origin: Germany
Quantity imported: 54 cans
Use-by date: April 20, 2027
Retailer: Baby HK
Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g
A preliminary investigation by the CFS revealed that relevant importer had imported nine boxes of 54 cans of the product concerned, among which 34 cans had been distributed. The CFS has instructed the retailer concerned to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product concerned and to initiate a recall. Moreover, the CFS has marked and sealed 20 cans of remaining stock of the product. Members of the public may call the retailer's hotline at 3586 1399 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.
The CFS will continue to enhance surveillance of powdered infant and young children formula and to closely monitor the recall matters and remain fully committed to ensuring food safety. The CFS has alerted the trade and relevant department over the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. Follow-up investigation is ongoing.
Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. 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.
The CFS urged members of the public not to let infants and young children consume the affected batch of the product, and to seek medical treatment for infants or young children who felt unwell after taking the product concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately.
The CFS has established a designated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew/powdered_formula/index.html) to facilitate public access to more information.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS), Photo source: reference image
