By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@BingGuan.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urged consumers in possession of Similac Alimentum 400G infant formula to immediately discontinue use of the product, and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.
Acting Commissioner Thezi Mabuza says the supplier informed the Commission of the precautionary recall of Similac Alimentum in South Africa.
The manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories-Nutrition initiated the recall after four consumer complaints were received in the United States related to the detection of Cronobacter Sakazakii and Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility.
“We understand that this product is manufactured at their plant in Sturgin, MI, in the United States of America, and was imported to South Africa and other countries, said Mabuza.”
“As the Commission, we want to emphasise that while there are no cases reported in South Africa as yet, we urge consumers who might have bought this product not to feed their infants but to immediately return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
“Ingesting Salmonella may lead to diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps, while Cronobacter infection may also cause damage to the bowel system.
“We therefore encourage parents who have concerns that they might have fed their infants the product in question to seek medical attention. The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides for safety of consumers at all times, and minors are regarded amongst the most vulnerable consumers.
“We appreciate the precautionary recall by the supplier. However, producers/manufacturers are required to supply or distribute goods that are safe and of good quality to avoid these mishaps. The Commission is monitoring the recall based on its Recall Guidelines,” Mabuza said.
Meanwhile Abbott said, no distributed product has tested positive for the presence of either of these bacteria, and as they continue to test. Abbott conducted extensive quality checks on each completed batch of infant formula, including microbiological analysis prior to release. All finished products were tested for Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella Newport and other pathogens and they must test negative before any product is released.
Additionally, the retained samples related to the three complaints for Cronobacter Sakazakii tested negative for Cronobacter Sakazakii. And the retained sample related to the complaint for Salmonella Newport tested negative for Salmonella Newport.