No shortages expected after infant formula recall, says distributor

Despite the recall of several infant formula products over potential contamination concerns, the local distributor has said there is no cause for concern about shortages on the local market.

Health authorities on Saturday issued warnings about 11 different infant formula products after becoming aware that some batches could contain a toxin known as cereulide, which can cause food poisoning symptoms. The recalled products were manufactured by Cow & Gate, Aptamil and Bebelac.

Cereulide is produced by certain strains of bacteria and is highly heat stable, meaning it can survive even when the formula is prepared using boiling water. Symptoms linked to the toxin include vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps.

The eleven recalled batches

The local distributor of al three brands, Permix, told Times of Malta that the products are being taken off the shelves.

"We are exchanging the batches to replace them accordingly,” a spokesperson for Permix said.

“This is a precaution as they have been on the market for nine months and nothing has happened.”

Asked whether the recalls could lead to short supplies of baby formula, the spokesperson said this was unlikely.

“Not really as we have other batches and more are coming in regularly," the spokesperson added.

Times of Malta also spoke to the Maltese Paediatric Association, which voiced concern following news of the recall, stressing the potential impact on infants if contaminated formula is consumed.

Its president, Mark Buttigieg, said the association is "concerned about the situation from a public health perspective because children could have short-term effects, including stomach upsets, vomiting and discomfort.”

He also offered guidance for parents who may have already fed their child from a recalled batch.

“Make sure to stop using that batch, follow the advice from the health authorities and switch to another unaffected batch. Speak to your medical professional if they are concerned or if your child is symptomatic,” he said.

Buttigieg added that the association had circulated all the necessary information to its members to ensure paediatricians were fully informed of the recall and the associated health advice.

The recalls form part of a wider wave of precautionary measures across Europe. Other major infant formula manufacturers, including Nestlé and Danone, have also issued a raft of recalls in recent weeks amid concerns linked to cereulide contamination. France has also announced plans to tighten its infant formula regulations.

In Malta, health authorities had previously issued a warning on batches of Nestlé SMA infant formula. Importers had also previously assured consumers that batches of Aptamil recalled in France and the UK were not present on the local market. Aptamil, however, featured prominently in Saturday’s recall.

For further information, members of the public can contact the Food Safety and Security Authority between 7.30am and 2.30pm on 26025211 or by email at info.fssa@gov.mt.