The SFA issued this announcement on 17/1, nearly 10 days after several Nestle NAN product lines were removed from shelves. These products are infant formula.

The two recalled products are Nestle NAN HA 1 SupremePro (800 gram, lot number 52340017C3), manufactured in Switzerland, and Dumex Dulac 1 (800 gram, lot number 101570778C), manufactured in Thailand.

Representatives from the SFA and the Communicable Disease Agency (CDA) indicated that the two products "may have shared raw materials with previously contaminated infant formula batches." The recall serves as a precautionary measure while the SFA's investigation continues.

Nestle has not yet confirmed any poisoning cases linked to the recalled products. *Photo: Euronews*

Authorities have identified one probable case of illness potentially linked to cereulide toxin, according to CNA. The affected child displayed mild symptoms and has since recovered. However, clinical tests have not yet definitively confirmed cereulide poisoning as the cause.

Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain Bacillus cereus bacterial strains. It can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically manifest 30 minutes to six hours after consuming contaminated food and often resolve within 24 hours. However, vulnerable groups, including infants and immunocompromised individuals, face an elevated risk of complications.

Doctor Chan Si Min, head of the pediatric infectious diseases division and senior consultant at the Khoo Teck Puat – Singapore National University Hospital (NUH) Children's Medical Institute, warned that prolonged vomiting in young children could lead to severe dehydration. She also noted that a few cases develop dangerous complications, directly harming internal organs like the liver, kidneys, brain, or muscular system. These severe instances can result in long-term consequences, including organ failure or death.

Singapore is one of dozens of countries recalling Nestle's infant formula products. The issue originated on january 5, when the company announced a recall of powdered milk batches in European nations like France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden. This was due to a "quality issue" identified in ingredients from a major supplier. The recall subsequently expanded to Africa, the Americas, and Asia, with over 60 countries now issuing health warnings for these products.

In Vietnam, Nestle announced a "voluntary and proactive" recall of 17 batches of NAN brand infant formula as a precautionary step. So far, no other illness cases have been reported in other countries, apart from the one in Singapore.

The SFA reported that the affected imported formula batches constitute less than 5% of Singapore's total imported infant formula supply. "We will continue to collaborate with importers and manufacturers to closely monitor the situation," the agency stated.

The SFA also found that SMC Nutrition, a Singapore-based manufacturer, used compromised raw materials in some of its export-bound infant formula products. SMC has been directed to cease exports and inform the relevant authorities in importing nations.

The SFA advises consumers who have purchased affected products to immediately stop using them for infants. If a child has consumed the product and exhibits unusual health symptoms, parents should promptly seek medical attention.

*Binh Minh (According to CNA, The Straitstimes)*