The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has issued an alert related to Dumex Mamil Gold infant milk formula, Stage 1, 850g, on Monday 20 August.
The precautionary recall of this formula milk by authorities follows detection of the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria in two sampled tins of the milk powder, reports Channel NewsAsia.
This bacteria can cause sepsis (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the brain and spine) in newborns and infants, cautions AVA.
“Infants two months of age and younger are most likely to develop meningitis if they get sick with Cronobacter,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dumex Mamil Gold infant formula recall due to bacterial contamination
Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Formula Recall: What You Should Know
According to AVA and a statement by Dumex,
- The batch number of the contaminated products is 09117R1.
- You can check the batch number by inspecting the engraving at the bottom of the milk tin.
- The expiry date of the affected products is September 11, 2019.
- The affected products were made in Malaysia.
The AVA directed Danone Dumex, the importer of this formula to Singapore, to recall the affected batch immediately. Reportedly, the recall is complete.
What if you have already purchased this formula?
- AVA strongly advises you do not to give the affected milk powder to your baby.
- You can call Dumex on 1800 265 3188 for enquiries on refunds. You may also email them at careline@dumex.sg.
AVA recommends you consult a paediatrician without delay if your infant shows any signs of illness.
Meanwhile, Dr Leong Choon Kit, a general practitioner at Mission Medical Clinic, is quoted by The Straits Times as saying:
The recall shows that the surveillance protocol and program in place is robust – public confidence in our gatekeeping authority should not be affected by this. Parents should check and stop using the batch mentioned. Should they be unsure, it is best to avoid other batches as well.
Dumex Mamil Gold Infant formula recall: A Cronobacter infection in newborns or infants has very serious health implications.
Quick Facts About Cronobacter Sakazakii Bacteria
- Cronobacter sakazakii, formerly known as Enterobacter sakazakii, is a bacterium that is generally found everywhere in the environment. This also includes the intestinal tracts of healthy humans and animals.
- It can survive dry conditions, like milk powder and other dry foods.
- Cronobacter infections are rare. In fact, eating food contaminated with this bacteria doesn’t necessarily lead to illness in adults.
- However, in newborns, premature infants or babies with compromised immune systems, a Cronobacter infection can result in sepsis or meningitis. What’s more, it can be fatal in these babies, says AVA.
- While this bacteria is found in other foods, only powdered infant formula milk has been linked to disease outbreaks.
- According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “the way powdered infant formula becomes contaminated with these bacteria is not well understood.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns, “the FIRST symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, coupled with poor feeding, crying, or very low energy.”
If you spot any of these symptoms in your baby, head to the paediatrician immediately. It’s crucial you do this to treat the infection before sepsis or meningitis potentially set in.
Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Formula Recall: Statement by Dumex
Statement by Dumex Singapore on 20 August 2018
theAsianparent contacted Dumex Singapore for more information on the contaminated formula milk powder.
They reassured us that they are working very closely with the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore to look into this matter.
FOLLOWING IS THEIR OFFICIAL STATEMENT IN RELATION TO THE PRECAUTIONARY RECALL OF ONE SPECIFIC BATCH OF MAMIL GOLD INFANT FORMULA STAGE 1 850G:
Dumex has been working very closely with the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) since we were informed of the detection of the bacteria from one specific batch of Mamil Gold Infant Formula Stage 1 850gm (Batch No: 09117R1 Expiry: 11 September 2019). We have taken immediate precautionary steps to retrieve the specific batch from the shelves and can confirm that it has been completely removed. No other products or size variations are affected. We are currently investigating this issue on a high priority basis. We have in place stringent processes and conduct rigorous tests that are of international standards. This includes conducting tests before the product is shipped out of the factory to Singapore. To date, there has not been any customer feedback on this issue. Customers who may have purchased the affected batch are advised not to consume it and are encouraged to call our Care Line at 1800-265-3188 for an exchange.
Dumex also shared the following statement on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dumexclub/posts/10155939184022582
4 Rules to Protect Your Baby from a Cronobacter Infection
1. Breastfeed. Breastfeed your baby exclusively for six months. Also, as much as possible, continue nursing for as long as possible. This is the best way to protect your child from a large range of infections, including Cronobacter.
2. Sanitise and store baby feeding equipment properly. This includes bottles and their parts, all feeding equipment, and breast pump parts. To find out more about how to clean your breast pump parts, click HERE. Meanwhile, to learn how to best clean baby milk bottles, click HERE.
3. Prepare powdered infant formula safely and correctly.
- Always follow the instructions on the packet/tin.
- Warm water to at least 158 °F /70 °C before preparing the formula.
- Keep milk powder scoops clean.
- Always close the lid of the milk powder container tightly. If it’s a packet, seal it after opening.
- Use formula within two hours of preparing it.
- When not consumed immediately, place formula in the fridge right away, and use it within 24 hours.
- NEVER give your baby leftover formula.
Read this article on safe formula feeding more more information.
4. Practice good hygiene when preparing food or drink for your baby. Wash your hands with soap and water:
- Before preparing food or drink for baby
- After using the toilet or changing your baby’s diaper
- Before touching your baby’s hands or mouth
- Before touching anything that goes into your baby’s mouth, like a pacifier
Sources: Channel NewsAsia, AVA, CDC, The Straits Times
Affected by the Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Formula recall? Remember, if you need more information, you can contact Dumex on their hotline: 1800 265 3188.