Batches of Aptamil baby formula being recalled in Germany due to possible toxin contamination were not imported into Taiwan, but people should avoid purchasing the product when traveling in Germany, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday.
French food group Danone on Friday last week said it was recalling specific batches of its Aptamil baby formula in Germany due to possible contamination with cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus bacteria.
The three batches of Aptamil baby formula being recalled in Germany are Aptamil Pronutra Pre (1.2kg) with a Nov. 19 expiration date; Aptamil Pronutra 1 DE (800g) with a Nov. 10 expiration date and Aptamil Profutura Pre D (800g) with an expiration date of April 20 next year, the FDA said.
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The FDA’s food import inspection record showed that as of Saturday, the recalled batches were not imported into Taiwan, so the FDA has assessed the incident as “green” in its consumer food safety system.
Food contaminated with B cereus generally does not show signs of spoilage or deterioration, the FDA said.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of B cereus when it multiplies in food under suitable conditions, and could lead to food poisoning if the food is not thoroughly heated before eaten, it said.
The emetic form (nausea and vomiting) of food poisoning is mostly associated with contaminated rice or starchy food, while the diarrheal form is mostly linked to contaminated jams, salads, puddings, desserts and dairy products, it said.
With proper care — such as hydration, and replacing fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea or vomiting — most affected people can completely recover from cereulide poisoning within one or two days, the FDA said.
While there is no record of importing the recalled products, local importers should avoid suspicious products, and if they have imported or used products suspected to be part of the recall alert, they should immediately verify it with the manufacturer, exporter or local supplier, it said.
They should also follow self-management regulations and suspend the sale or use of any such product, it added.
If businesses are notified by manufacturers or suppliers about recalls of imported products, they must immediately remove the items from shelves, notify consumers about returns or exchanges, and report to their local health department and the agency, the FDA said.
Prior to procurement, businesses should require manufacturers or suppliers to provide product test reports, or conduct hygiene tests as part of their assessments to ensure that all manufactured, sold or imported products comply with health and safety regulations, it said.
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