Toxins ruled out in 13 cases of Hong Kong infants falling ill after having Nestlé formula
Department of Health yet to determine if 14th report of unwell infant after eating potentially contaminated baby formula
Hong Kong health authorities have received 14 reports of infants feeling unwell after consuming potentially contaminated Nestlé baby milk formula, but nearly all of the cases have been cleared of involving a toxin found in recalled products.
The government earlier issued a warning after Nestlé recalled 21 batches of baby milk formula made in Europe due to the possible presence of cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus, a substance that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested.
The Department of Health said on Thursday that it had ruled out the presence of such toxins in 13 of the reported cases of infants feeling unwell after eating some of the company’s formula.
It had yet to determine the cause of the 14th case, as authorities had been unable to contact the person who made the report.
The department added that it had received 49 related inquiries, with most involving requests for advice about switching to other baby formulas.
We are really panicked
Deepening brand distrust also prompted some parents to call for food safety authorities to examine Nestle’s other formula batches to ensure they were safe.