Ministry checking whether NZ milk suspected contaminated sold in M'sia

The Health Ministry is checking whether Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula products for children from 6 months old which are suspected to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria, are sold in Malaysia.

Its Food Safety and Quality Division senior director Noraini Datuk Mohd Othman said the ministry's Detain, Test and Release mechanism had also been activated for the import of the products.

She said based on the latest reports obtained from the New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries through its High Commission in Malaysia, Nutricia Karicare follow-on formula products for children from 6 months old were suspected might contain contaminated 'whey protein concentrate' (WPC).

"As a precaution, parents and guardians if using the products are advised to change to other brands for now. The ministry is following the matter closely and will provide updates from time to time," she said in a statement here Saturday.

Consumers with doubts on safety of food products in the local market can raise the matter to the nearest health office of state health department or at the division's website at http://fsq.moh.gov.my.

Earlier, the New Zealand authorities had issued a warning on WPC products manufactured by Fonterra as they were suspected might be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause food poisoning.

WPC is an ingredient in infant formula, growing-up milk powder and sports drinks. It is reported these products are exported from New Zealand to several countries including Malaysia.

So far there has been no reports about any adverse impacts regarding consumption of these products in Malaysia.