Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) ordered PT Nestlé Indonesia to halt the distribution and import of certain infant formula products following a notification from the European Union Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (EURASFF).
BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar said on Wednesday that the recall of infant formula produced by Nestlé Suisse SA at its Konolfingen factory in Switzerland in several countries was linked to the potential presence of cereulide toxin in certain arachidonic acid (ARA) oil raw materials used in the production process.
"Based on BPOM import records, two batches of the affected infant formula products were imported into Indonesia. However, test results on samples from both batches showed that cereulide toxin was not detected (limit of quantitation/LoQ <0.20 µg/kg)," Ikrar explained.
The affected product is S-26 Promil Gold pHPro 1 infant formula for babies aged up to six months, bearing distribution permit number ML 562209063696 and batch numbers 51530017C2 and 51540017A1.
To date, there have been no confirmed reports in Indonesia of illnesses linked to the consumption of the product.
Despite the negative test results, Ikrar said precautionary measures were taken to protect public health, particularly given the vulnerability of infants as consumers.
PT Nestlé Indonesia has also carried out a voluntary recall of all products with the affected batch numbers under BPOM supervision, he added.
Earlier, the European Union’s food safety alert system and the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) issued a global food safety alert concerning the infant formula products.
Ikrar explained that cereulide toxin is produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus and is heat-resistant, meaning it cannot be destroyed through boiling or conventional cooking.
“Exposure to this toxin can cause symptoms within 30 minutes to six hours after consumption, including severe or persistent vomiting, diarrhea, and unusual lethargy,” he said.
BPOM urged consumers who have S-26 Promil Gold pHPro 1 with batch numbers 51530017C2 and 51540017A1 to immediately stop using the product, return it to the place of purchase, or contact PT Nestlé Indonesia customer service for a return or exchange.
The agency emphasized that the public should not be concerned about consuming other Nestlé products, including S-26 Promil Gold pHPro 1 with batch numbers not affected by the recall.
BPOM said it will continue to strengthen pre-market and post-market supervision and coordination with food and drug regulators to ensure products circulating in Indonesia meet safety, quality, and nutritional standards.
The agency also urged consumers to remain vigilant by checking packaging, labels, distribution permits, and expiration dates (KLIK Check) before purchasing or consuming processed food products.
