Food and Drug Administration: Aptamil Advance milk withdrawn in Kuwait has not entered Saudi Arabia
Saudi Food and Drug Authority confirmed
Details of affected operations and the situation in the Kingdom
The authority clarified in its statement that the specific batches subject to the precautionary recall had not been cleared or entered the Saudi market through any customs ports. The authority emphasized that it possesses precise monitoring and tracking systems that enable it to identify all food and pharmaceutical products entering the Kingdom, thus ensuring a rapid response in such global situations.
These assurances come within the framework of the strict regulatory role that the Authority exercises to ensure the safety of food products, where any product suspected of being contaminated or violating standard specifications is dealt with immediately and firmly, in accordance with internationally and locally approved regulatory procedures.
Background of precautionary withdrawals in Kuwait
The background to this incident is the announcement by the Kuwaiti Public Authority for Food and Nutrition last Sunday of a food warning that included a precautionary recall of Aptamil Advance infant formula. This action was taken following a report received through the rapid food alert system, indicating that the manufacturer, Danone, had implemented a voluntary recall of a limited number of its products.
Reports indicated that the recall concerned products manufactured in Ireland, due to the potential presence of "cereulide" (a toxic substance secreted by Bacillus cereus bacteria), which necessitated taking immediate precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of children and consumers.
The importance of monitoring children's food
The procedures of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) are of paramount importance, particularly concerning infant formula products, given the sensitivity of this age group and their rapid susceptibility to any food contaminants. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relies on a comprehensive regulatory system that includes rigorous laboratory testing at entry points and monitoring of international alerts through global warning networks.
The Authority continuously reviews and updates lists of globally banned or withdrawn products to prevent them from reaching the Saudi consumer, which enhances public confidence in products traded in local markets and ensures the highest food safety standards.
