PAFN orders immediate withdrawal of limited infant formula batches in proactive safety move
The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition has announced a precautionary withdrawal of a limited number of batches of certain infant formula products after laboratory analysis detected traces of ‘cereulide’, a toxin that can be produced by the bacteria Bacillus cereus, in one of the primary ingredients used in manufacturing.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Authority said it had received official notification from Nestlé confirming that the company had initiated a voluntary precautionary recall following an internal investigation. The inquiry revealed traces of the substance in arachidonic acid oil (ARA), a key ingredient used in infant formula.
The Authority emphasized that the withdrawal is a proactive preventive measure taken in full compliance with food safety regulations and quality control requirements, underscoring Kuwait’s strict standards in protecting public health, particularly in products intended for infants, reports Al-Rai daily.
Suppliers and distributors have been instructed to fully comply with the recall procedures and to immediately halt the sale, distribution, and circulation of any products bearing the operational batch numbers listed in the official recall notice.
The Authority stressed that all affected batches must be withdrawn from shelves without delay and isolated according to approved regulatory procedures until further notice.
Consumers were strongly urged to check the batch numbers of infant formula products currently in their possession. If a match is found, they are advised to stop using the product immediately, dispose of it safely, and follow the guidance issued through official channels.
The Authority reiterated that the recall is limited to specific batches only and does not affect all products, noting that continuous monitoring and inspection procedures remain in place to ensure the highest levels of food safety across the market.
It reaffirmed its commitment to swift action, transparency, and strict enforcement whenever any potential risk to public health is identified, particularly where infant and child nutrition is concerned.
Further updates will be issued as necessary through official communication platforms, said the daily quoting health officials.
