THE Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) of Papua New Guinea is warning mothers not to buy a particular baby formula product as it has the potential to be harmful to infants.
The product, Nutricia Karicare baby formula, manufactured by New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra, has been recalled by the manufacturer and there has been a worldwide recall of the products from the shelves.
Tests show that some of the batches of the formula that were packed on a production line may have had residue of the potential contaminated raw material that may cause botulism in infants.
Botulism is a severe, sometimes fatal food poisoning caused by eating food infected with the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces botulinum toxin.
It is the most acutely toxic substance known, with an estimated human median lethal dose of 1.3–2.1 nanogram (ng)/kg intravenously (administered into vein) and 10-13 ng/kg when inhaled.
After an inspection in the shops in Port Moresby, the ICCC found that a major pharmacy outlet is selling the products.
“This is a great concern for Papua New Guineans, especially at this stage when many mothers are reliant on baby formulas to feed their children,” ICCC commissioner Dr Billy Manoka said.
He said the ICCC would shortly issue an interim ban on the product and would notify the outlet selling the products to remove them from the shelves.
A ban on the product will come into effect next week. Shop owners are urged to remove the product.