RP's FDA issues recall order vs 2 milk products

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Two milk products were ordered recalled Monday by the Philippines' Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Two separate orders dated September 16 and signed by acting FDA Director Nazarista Tacandong said Sustagen Junior Milk Drink Powder Vanilla Flavor (for toddlers 1-3 years old) and Alactagrow Bibo Trio Milk Supplement each have fat level content that were non-compliant with FDA standards. The 2 products are from well-known pediatric nutrition manufacturer Mead Johnson Nutrition (Philippines) Inc.

The FDA said it requires 3 to 6 grams of fat per 100 calories under the CODEX STAN 156-1987 which is the standard for follow-up formula.

The FDA order said, however, that its evaluation and determination showed that the Sustagen Junior Milk Drink Powder Vanilla Flavor only contained only 1.5 grams of fat per 100 calories.

The Alactagrow Bibo Trio Milk Supplement, on the other hand, has fat content of 1.34 grams per 100 calories, according to the FDA order.

The agency said continued sale of the 2 milk supplements may result in "gross deception to the consuming public and may even present risk of illness or injury to the consuming sector of the public, the young children."

The FDA urged the people who bought to products to return them to either manufacturers or licensed distributors and get their money back.

Safe for consumption

On Tuesday, Mead Johnson Nutrition (Philippines) Inc. said its products are safe for consumption.

"Ang lahat ng produkto ng Mead Johnson passed FDA healthy requirement and considered to be safe for consumption and of high quality," said Janryll Fernandez of Mead Johnson Philippines on the morning TV show "Umagang Kay Ganda".

He added that the findings of the FDA was merely a technical compliance issue since a new Code of Standards was released. The company will resolve issues with FDA this week.

"We have a certificate approved by FDA. We have passed all health requirements. It is just that the new code is implemented," Fernandez said.

According to Fernandez, Mead Johnson will accept "recalled" products in cooperation with its distributors and retailers as mandated by FDA.

"Muli po, we would like to assure all Mead Johnson Nutrient products, kasama 'yung dalawang gatas ay pumasa sa pinakamahigpit na pagsusuri ng FDA, safe for consumption," said Fernandez.