By Chantalé Fletcher
THE products, Similac, Alimentum and Elecare Powder Formula are no longer on the markets and were recalled.
This according to Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh in an answer to an Urgent Question by Opposition Senator Wade Mark in the Senate on Tuesday.
Mark asked Deyalsingh about measures taken by the Government to ensure the recall of several lots of baby formula imported into Trinidad and Tobago.
Deyalsingh said, “The MoH via the Chemistry Food and Drug Division advised the population of the voluntary recall of specified batches of Similac, Alimentum and Elecare Powder Formula from Abbott Nutrition, an international manufacturer of baby formula.”
The local distributor, Massy Distributors had notified the Chemistry Food and Drug of the possible importation of some of the products.
Deyalsingh said although T&T was not included in the US FDA recall notification advisory, which listed the countries from which products were imported, the MoH engaged the local distributor to conduct a product reconciliation exercise.
“We discovered that in fact, some of the product was here and as a result, the Chemistry Food and Drug advised persons who may be in position of any of the recall formulas with the batch numbers below to discontinue use immediately and return the product to the point of purchase where possible.”
Abbott Nutrition first made the recall on February 17 after four infants were hospitalised with bacterial infections which were produced in its Facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
When Senator Mark enquired about the success of the initiative, Deyalsingh responded, “In our discussions with the local distributor, they have assured us that through their recall position and sensitisation of the retailers at this time, there should be no product on the shelf.”
