The Centre for Food Safety (CFS)

Powdered infant formula

Details of four powdered infant formulae are as follows:

(1) Product name: Meiji HP (for 0 to 36 months old)
Manufacturer: Meiji Co Ltd
Place of origin: Japan
Net weight: 850 grams
Batch number/Use by date: May 14, 2013 10:34/16A

(2) Product name: Wakodo (for 0 to 9 months old)
Manufacturer: Wakodo Co Ltd
Place of origin: Japan
Net weight: 13 grams x 10 packets
Batch number/Use by date: November 16, 2013 Lot2E17

(3) Product name: Morinaga (for 0 to 12 months old)
Manufacturer: Morinaga & Co Ltd
Place of origin: Japan
Net weight: 13 grams x 10 packets
Batch number/Use by date: May 5, 2013 Lot1K05/B39C

(4) Product name: Morinaga (for 0 to 12 months old)
Manufacturer: Morinaga & Co Ltd
Place of origin: Japan
Net weight: 820 grams
Batch number/Use by date: December 25, 2012 Lot1F25/F14

The CFS has taken samples of powdered infant formulae at local outlets for testing of their content of energy and essential nutrients. Results showed that four more Japanese infant formulae were found to have low iodine content and may have potential adverse health effects on infants.

The CFS has informed the trade of the test results.

The CFS has completed testing on the iodine content of all powdered formulae intended for infants below six months old, which were manufactured in Japan and available for sale locally. Tests of iodine content on other infant formulae produced in other countries will be completed within this month. Appropriate follow-up actions will be taken, including announcing the test results, if the findings on the samples indicate potential health impacts on infants.

Stop selling the products concerned.

Those who have bought the affected products should stop feeding their infants with these products and switch to other infant formulae or consider breastfeeding if possible.

Parents should study the iodine content in the label of infant formula. They can change to another brand of cow milk-based infant formula with iodine content as recommended by Codex for infant formula (10-60μg(microgram)/100 kcal).

As there is no sole agent or dedicated importer for the products concerned in Hong Kong, consumers may check with the retailer from which they bought the affected products whether there are recall arrangements.

The CFS press release

Iodine in Infant Formula

For enquiries about iodine in infant formula, consumers may call the CFS enquiry hotline (3978 0600) and the Department of Health hotline (2125 1111) for any related enquiries.