SFA recalls Nestlé & Dumex infant formula in S'pore over presence of toxin

Two additional infant formula products from Nestlé and Dumex have been recalled in Singapore after the presence of cereulide toxin was detected, following an earlier recall of selected Nestlé infant formula products earlier this month.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Jan. 17 that intensified surveillance and testing after its Jan. 8 order to halt the sale of five batches of Nestlé’s infant formula products had uncovered the toxin in two more products, prompting a further recall as a precaution while investigations continue.

Products affected

The latest recall affects the following infant formula products:

SFA said the products may have used the same raw ingredient supplied by the same source as earlier batches of implicated infant formula products.

The recall is a precautionary measure while investigations are ongoing.

SFA and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said the two newly recalled products may be connected through the same raw ingredient supplier used in the earlier affected batches.

The authorities added that the implicated batches together make up less than 5 per cent of Singapore’s imported infant formula supply and represent a minority of the available products on the market.

SFA also confirmed that Singapore-based manufacturer SMC Nutrition had used the same raw ingredient in some infant formula products meant for export.

The agency has directed the company to stop exporting the affected products and has notified the competent authorities in the importing country.

One case reported

There has been one case in which a child consumed an affected product and developed mild symptoms likely associated with cereulide exposure. The child has since recovered.

However, the authorities said there are currently no definitive clinical laboratory tests to confirm cereulide poisoning, and the case is assessed based on symptoms and exposure history.

CDA is working closely with SFA and is conducting surveillance with medical practitioners to monitor for potential cases of cereulide poisoning in children.

What is cereulide?

Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the Bacillus cereus bacterium.

It can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.

Symptoms usually appear between 30 minutes and six hours after consuming affected food and typically resolve within 24 hours.

Vulnerable groups, such as infants and immunocompromised persons, face higher risks of complications.

Advice for consumers

Consumers who have purchased the affected products are advised not to feed them to their children.

Those whose children have already consumed the products and are unwell should seek medical advice promptly.

Consumers can also contact their point of purchase for product enquiries.

Top photo taken via SG Blessing of Items/Facebook