Aptamil infant formula recalled in HK over possible toxin contamination
發佈日期: 2026-02-04 20:28
TVB News
A batch of Aptamil's infant and young children formula is being recalled after the milk powder was found to potentially contain a heat-resistant toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.
Paediatricians are warning that accidental consumption may lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.
Items being recalled include nine boxes with 54 cans in total of the affected Aptamil infant and young children formula, which were imported into Hong Kong.
Among them, 34 cans were distributed to retailer Baby HK.
A notice has been posted at Baby HK's branch in Causeway Bay, informing customers they could opt for a refund or product exchange.
The batch of milk powder in question has been removed from shelves, while other batches are not affected.
The Centre for Food Safety has sealed the 20 remaining cans of the affected Aptamil formula after being alerted over the case through its Food Incident Surveillance System.
That's after German authorities initiated a precautionary recall as the batch may contain cereulide -- a heat-resistant toxin produced by Bacillus cereus.
HKU medical school Professor Jin Dongyan says the toxin involved is generally of lower pathogenicity -- meaning the effect is lower.
He explains the bacterium is found in a lot of places -- in food ingredients and soil, and some exposure is unavoidable.
It is the most active at 37 degrees Celsius, and can multiply rapidly.
What has been detected here is not the live bacteria itself but the toxins it produces, it's like finding feathers rather than the chicken, he says.
Recent recalls of infant formula milk powder from different brands have been linked to certain European production batches where individual raw materials were suspected to be contaminated with Bacillus cereus.
Paediatricians note that there is a chance more brands will be found to have been affected.
They remind that the toxin mainly causes vomiting within half an hour to six hours of consumption, and diarrhoea within eight to 15 hours.
Parents should avoid purchasing any products listed by the Centre for Food Safety and return them immediately if the items have already been bought.
