Indonesia Halts Distribution, Temporarily Suspends Import of Nestlé Infant Formula

JAKARTA, Jan 15 — Indonesia has halted distribution and temporarily suspended the import of Nestle’s S-26 Promil Gold pHPro 1 infant formula over potential contamination with the toxin cereulide, which could cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) said it has issued an instruction to Nestle Indonesia, and the company has voluntarily recalled all infant formula products from affected batches under BPOM supervision.

“As of the issuance of this notice, there have been no confirmed reports of illness in Indonesia related to the consumption of the infant formula,” it said in a statement today.

Nestlé issued a global recall in several countries last week over a range of its infant nutrition products amid concerns they contained a toxin that causes food poisoning.

BPOM also advised consumers to immediately stop using products with batch numbers 51530017C2 and 51540017A, and to return them to the place of purchase or contact Nestlé Indonesia’s consumer service for a return or exchange.

However, consumers do not need to worry about using or consuming other Nestlé products, including S-26 Promil Gold pHPro 1 with batch numbers other than those mentioned.

BPOM added that it would continue to conduct pre- and post-market surveillance and coordinate with other drug and food regulatory authorities to ensure food products on the market meet safety, quality and nutritional standards.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Nestlé Indonesia confirmed that its local manufacturing facilities were not affected by the issue, and all products manufactured in Indonesia remain safe.

All imported products sold by Nestlé Indonesia continue to meet all applicable Indonesian safety and quality requirements, as confirmed by comprehensive testing.