Nestlé HK recalls additional infant formula despite 'satisfactory' test result

Nestlé Hong Kong has recalled an additional batch of powdered infant and young children's formula due to suspected use of a raw material that may have posed a risk of bacterial contamination.

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) stated in a notice on Saturday (Jan 10) that it had earlier collected a sample from the same batch for testing for the bacterium, Bacillus cereus, with a satisfactory test result. 

Nevertheless, the company has voluntarily halted sales as a precautionary measure, removed the affected products from shelves, and initiated a recall.

The CFS issued a warning on Tuesday, urging the public not to consume certain batches of infant formula, as the specific raw material used might have contained cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.

Nestlé Hong Kong has also voluntarily suspended sales of 21 batches of products imported into Hong Kong that might have used the raw material.

Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

As of 4pm on Friday, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department received a total of 18 food complaints and enquiries suspected to be related to the products, including one anonymous complaint without contact information. 

The CFS and the Environmental Hygiene Branch have promptly followed up on all cases, including contacting the parties concerned to obtain details and collecting samples for testing.

Consumers may choose to bring along the products for refund at the place of purchase, or at service counters of Nestlé Nutrition Services from January 13 onwards, to settle the recall and refund of the products concerned.

In addition, six suspected affected batches of baby milk formula products that had not entered the market were marked and sealed.

A spokesperson from CFS said another 15 batches are currently en route to Hong Kong and will also be marked and sealed upon arrival.