Hong Kong food safety authorities have detected traces of the toxin cereulide in additional samples of recalled Nestlé baby milk formula, marking the second confirmed finding since the products were withdrawn over contamination concerns.
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) announced on Monday night that during its ongoing follow-up investigations, five samples from previously recalled batches tested positive for cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus.
According to the CFS, toxin levels ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 micrograms per kilogram of food.
The affected samples were linked to the following products:
This discovery follows an earlier finding where traces of cereulide were detected in five samples from four recalled batches more than two weeks after the products were removed from retail shelves.
Nestlé Hong Kong began recalling baby formula batches in early January after similar actions were taken in several European countries. The recall initially covered 21 batches, later expanding to 22 batches.
Nestlé stated that the withdrawal was a precautionary measure, triggered by concerns that an ingredient supplied for use in the affected batches could contain cereulide toxin.
As of January 30, Nestlé reported that approximately 159,000 cans of the affected products had already been recalled.
Authorities and the company have also marked and sealed around 233,000 cans from suspected batches, including products stored in warehouses and those already returned.
The Centre added that an additional 16 suspected batches were still en route to Hong Kong and would be sealed upon arrival.
Since January 7, authorities have received 48 complaints and inquiries suspected to be linked to the recalled formula products.
Health experts warn that consuming food contaminated with excessive levels of Bacillus cereus or its toxins may cause symptoms such as:
Hong Kong’s Centre for Food Safety continues its investigation and has urged parents and caregivers to remain cautious and follow official recall guidance regarding affected infant formula products.