Sunday, 04 August 2013 21:37

Govt monitors infant formula scare

Written by Sudesh Kissun

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THE Government is advising parents and caregivers to follow the updated Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advice on potentially contaminated infant formula in New Zealand stores.

MPI and Ministry of Health are working together to inform the public about potentially contaminated infant formula products that may be in the hands of New Zealand consumers, Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye says.

There is a formal operational response team of more than 60 people working from MPI, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This team is providing updates to relevant Ministers, says Kaye.

"Ministers are meeting regularly to ensure a whole of Government response and that there are adequate resources to deal with this evolving situation."

The Government says updated information on affected products can be found at the MPI website - http://www.mpi.govt.nz/food/food-safety/whey-protein-contamination.

"If people have any health concerns they should call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or Plunketline on 0800 933 922 for advice," says Health Minister Tony Ryall.

"The Ministry of Health is keeping a close eye on the situation and have advised us that they have received no case notifications of babies or infants with Clostridium botulinum in New Zealand."

"MPI has received information overnight that has extended the range of products that are potentially contaminated. Nutricia has issued a precautionary recall of some Karicare infant formula. The products and batch numbers are available on MPI's website."

Kaye encouraged people to regularly check MPI's website link for updates.

"Our goal is to ensure that people are safe and that the public have the information they need," she says.

Consumer support

• If you have any health concerns, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or Plunketline on 0800 933 922 for advice.

• If you have questions about a product, please call MPI's consumer helpline on 0800 693 721.

• Follow MPI on Twitter@MPI_NZ

• Check the MPI website: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/food/food-safety/whey-protein-contamination

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