Parents are being urged to remain vigilant after a health expert warned that consuming contaminated infant formula could lead to serious health problems, including vomiting and dehydration, particularly among young children.
Mike Kwan Yat-wah, president of the Asian Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases, made the remarks following Nestlé Hong Kong’s recall of 21 batches of powdered infant and young children’s formula from brands including Nestlé NAN and Wyeth Illuma, specifically certain 800g cans of Nan PRO 3 and Illuma HA 3 formula, which can retail for as much as HK$545 per can.
The products were recalled over concerns that certain raw materials may have been contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
Kwan explained that Bacillus cereus can produce toxins under high-temperature conditions. Consumption of contaminated formula may cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dehydration in infants and young children.
He advised parents to seek medical attention promptly if their children show any of these symptoms.
Kwan also noted that Bacillus cereus spores multiply most rapidly at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of toxin production. He recommended that prepared but uneaten formula be stored in a refrigerator at temperatures below four degrees Celsius and reheated only when needed.
Some parents who had purchased the affected formula said they were concerned about their children’s health, noting that they had relied on the same brands since their babies were born.
One mother Hui said her one-and-a-half-year-old child has been consuming Wyeth Illuma since birth.
“I am very worried because it’s such a well-known brand and the price is not cheap, so I never expected there would be quality issues,” she said, adding that she is considering switching to other brands.
Another father, Cheung, told reporters he was less concerned as his baby is currently breastfeeding.
“There are often issues in the food manufacturing industry, no matter the country. With breast milk available, I’m not considering formula at this time,” he said.
Nestlé Hong Kong said consumers who purchased the affected batches can return the products to the point of sale for a refund.
A major health and beauty retail chain has also advised customers to bring purchase receipts when seeking refunds. For consumers without receipts, Nestlé Hong Kong said they may contact its customer service department for further assistance.
