In a statement today, the health ministry said the company had voluntarily issued a recall notice to all its wholesalers and retailers for these two baby formula products.

It added that the recall was done after the ministry issued an “auto-rejection” order to stop these products from entering the country.

“The ministry has taken note of a report issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the discovery of ‘Cronobacter sakazakii’ and ‘Salmonella newport’ bacteria in baby formula products manufactured by Sturgis.”

According to the ministry, ‘Cronobacter’ can thrive in dry environments like baby formulas.

“This bacteria can cause meningitis or sepsis, although incidences of such diseases are rare.

“It can cause babies to exhibit symptoms like loss of appetite, fever, and lethargy,” the ministry said.

In a probe carried out by its food safety and quality division, the ministry said it had identified the two baby formula products with the batch number that starts with digits “22” until “37” on the barcode. These products are set to expire on April 4 this year.

“All retailers, including those online who still have stock of these baby formulas must stop selling them and contact the nearest district health department,” the ministry said.

“Parents and guardians are advised to identify the batch code of the baby formula, stop buying these formulas, and keep track of their baby’s health.

“Should they start to exhibit symptoms after drinking these formulas, get them treated immediately.”

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