The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) on Monday ordered the immediate cessation of distribution and sale of a specific batch of Nestlé infant formula, warning it is contaminated with a heat-resistant toxin and poses a risk to infants.
The public notice targets Nestlé NAN PRO HA 0-12 infant formula with batch number 51660742F3. The bureau stated the product is contaminated with cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria.
“The toxin is highly heat stable, rendering it unable to be deactivated or destroyed by cooking and boiling,” the bureau said in the notice.
It warned the formula could cause foodborne illness and vomiting in infants up to six hours after feeding.
The product, according to the bureau, does not comply with regional and international standards. The notice demands an instant stop to its distribution within the Republic of South Sudan.
The bureau said the batch has been recalled in its country of origin and that recall notices will be displayed in retail stores. It instructed all sellers and retailers to immediately halt distribution and to liaise with local authorities.
“Retailers selling this infant formula after this notice will face penalties including fines and/or detention,” the notice stated.
Parents who have fed the formula to an infant are advised to seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
The order was issued by Gloria Nyoka Joseph, the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards.
