Food and Drug Administration: Saudi Arabia is free of contaminated Aptamil products
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) confirmed in a statement to Al-Youm newspaper that local markets are completely free of Aptamil Advance infant formula, which was recently recalled in Kuwait. This confirmation aims to reassure consumers and parents in the Kingdom following reports of the product's recall in neighboring countries.
The authority clarified in its statement that the affected batches of the aforementioned product did not enter Saudi Arabia through any customs ports. It emphasized that its rigorous monitoring system ensures the accurate tracking of all imported food products. The authority also noted that it continuously and meticulously monitors the safety of products offered in the market and deals immediately and decisively with any product suspected of contamination or non-compliance with standards, in accordance with internationally recognized regulatory procedures.
Background of precautionary withdrawals in Kuwait
The incident began when the Kuwaiti Public Authority for Food and Nutrition issued a food warning last Sunday, announcing a precautionary recall of the infant formula product "Aptamil Advance." This action came in response to a report received through the Rapid Alert System for Food, indicating that the global company Danone was conducting a voluntary recall of a limited number of its products manufactured in Ireland.
The Kuwaiti authorities and Danone attributed the recall to the potential presence of cereulide in the specified batches, a toxic substance that may be secreted by Bacillus cereus bacteria. This prompted immediate precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of infants and consumers, as the relevant authorities in Kuwait began to stop the circulation of these products and withdraw them from the markets.
The role of the General Authority for Food and Drug in consumer protection
The announcement by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) underscores the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's monitoring and early warning systems. The SFDA relies on a broad network of international communications and rapid alert systems that enable it to identify global food hazards as soon as they occur, allowing it to take proactive measures to prevent the entry of contaminated shipments before they reach consumers.
The authority plays a pivotal role in national food security by testing samples in its advanced laboratories and ensuring they are free of chemical and biological contaminants. This procedure is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting public health and ensuring food and drug safety in the Kingdom, thereby enhancing the confidence of citizens and residents in products available in local markets.
In closing, the authority urged consumers to always rely on official sources for information related to food safety and not to be swayed by rumors, stressing that its official channels are always open to answer inquiries and receive reports.
