The Ministry of Health recalls certain infant formulas
The Department of Health has recalled several batches of infant formula from local shelves after reports of contamination in the United States.
In a statement, the ministry’s Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division said it had issued a voluntary recall of specified lots of Similac, Alimentum and Elecare powdered formulas from Abbottt Nutrition, an international manufacturer of infant formula.
“Although Trinidad and Tobago was not included in the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) Recall Notification Notice, which lists the countries into which the recalled products were imported, the Department of Health engaged the local distributor to perform a reconciliation exercise (including physical inventory check and review of import invoices).”
“This was done in recognition of the complexity of managing the supply chain for these items.
“As a result of this exercise, the department was advised today (February 20, 2022) that a limited quantity of recalled items have been identified in local supply.
“In addition, the local distributor also received subsequent documentation from Abbott Nutrition today, which indicates the lot number of one of the recalled products that may have entered the domestic market.”
“As a result, CFDD advises anyone who may be in possession of any of the recalled formulas, with the lot numbers listed below, to immediately discontinue use and return the product to the point of purchase, if possible.”
The department said the recall was initiated due to the receipt of four consumer complaints of Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport (in the United States of America) in infants who consumed powdered infant formula made in the United States of America. factory in Sturgis, Michigan (USA).
The department said this is an active investigation that is currently being conducted by the USFDA and the CDC and, as such, has not yet been completed.
The ministry added that it should be noted that the local distributor indicated that “no products distributed have tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport and the measures taken only as a precautionary measure”.
Early symptoms of Cronobacter sakazakii infection may include, but are not limited to:
- Fever;
- Bad nutrition;
- Irritability;
- Tiredness/lethargy.
If your child has any of the symptoms listed above, you should tell your child’s health care provider and seek medical attention for your child immediately.
The ministry said members of the public will be notified of any critical new information and may contact the Food and Drug Chemistry Division at 868-623-5242 or [email protected] for more information, if necessary.
