PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has identified 'Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula products for children from 6 months old' as the sole product that is possibly contaminated with bacteria that could lead to botulism.
As a precautionary measure, all imports of this product will undergo a “hold, test and release” inspection effective immediately.
This is following the latest information obtained from New Zealand’s Primary Industries Ministry through the High Commission here that only one product is suspected to contain the whey protein concentrate (WPC) which is the source of the contamination.
In a statement Saturday, the Ministry said it was verifying whether the product is available in the Malaysian market.
"As a precautionary measure, parents and guardians who use the product are advised to not use it and to replace it with another brand for the time being,” said Noraini Othman, the Ministry’s Food Quality and Safety Division senior director in the statement.
The Ministry has taken into account the alert from the International Food Safety Authorities Network (Infosan) under the World Health Organisation about the WPC manufactured by Fonterra from New Zealand.
The WPC is used as an ingredient in baby formula, growing-up milk powder and sports drinks.
There have been no food safety incidents reported on this particular product as of now.
The Ministry, she added, was also working closely with the New Zealand High Commission here and will issue updates on the latest developments.
“We hope with this explanation, the public need not worry because food safety monitoring and enforcement is always carried out to ensure the safety of consumers are always guaranteed,” she said.
She added that if consumers felt wary of the safety status of a food product in the market, they can inform the Health Ministry through the nearest district health office or state health department, or go to the website at fsq.moh.gov.my.
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