FDA probing Nestlé’s recall of baby formulas
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Monday that it was investigating Nestlé, which has initiated a voluntary recall of selected infant formula products to “determine the scope of the issue and to assess any potential safety implications.”
In a statement, the FDA said it is “actively overseeing and validating” the voluntary recall involving specific batches of Nan Optipro and Nankid Optipro infant formula products “as a precautionary measure following the identification of a potential safety and quality concern.”
It added that it was in close coordination with the manufacturer in verifying the specific affected batches and ensuring their prompt and complete removal from physical and online retail outlets.
It is also conducting distribution and communication checks to confirm that recall measures are being properly implemented across the supply chain.
Raw material cited
The FDA noted that the voluntary recall was prompted by a reported incident involving a “raw material” coming from a Nestlé supplier. However, there are currently no established food safety or regulatory limits on the raw material that was identified, it said.
“At this time, the FDA has not received any reports of illness or adverse events associated with the recalled products. While no adverse events have been reported, the FDA fully supports this precautionary action to protect public health, especially infants and young children,” it added.
In the meantime, the FDA urged consumers to carefully check the batch numbers of affected infant formula products and to immediately discontinue the use of those covered by the recall. It also asked the public to strictly follow the recall instructions issued by Nestlé Philippines.
Nestlé announced in a Jan. 9 statement the voluntary recall of “limited batches of its Nan Optipro and Nankid Optipro infant formula products” following “the detection of a possible quality issue with an ingredient provided by a leading supplier.”
Affected batches
“While no illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the products involved to date, Nestlé Philippines has decided to voluntarily recall the affected batches out of an abundance of caution and in line with its strict product quality and safety protocols,” it said.
Consumers can check if their product is affected by the recall through the following link: parenteam.com.ph/voluntary-precautionary-recall.
Those in possession of an affected batch should discontinue use and contact Nestlé for assistance through its Facebook page at facebook.com/nestle.ph. They can also send an email to consumer.services@ph.nestle.com or call up the hotline at +632-88980061.
The FDA said it would issue an official advisory to provide further information and updates on the recall for the public’s guidance.
For now, it will “continue to carry out post-market surveillance, inspections and product assessments to ensure that all regulated products in the market meet established safety and quality requirements.”
