FDA: Recalled Mead Johnson products fit for consumption

MANILA, Philippines - The 2 recalled formula milk products from Mead Johnson Nutrition (Philippines), Inc. are still fit for consumption, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) said.

While the products did not meet standards for the required fat level content, these “have no safety issues and therefore fit for human consumption,” FDA Acting Director Nazarita Tacandong clarified in a new order posted on the agency’s website.

FDA on Tuesday recalled several batches of Sustagen Junior Milk Drink Powder Vanilla Flavor (for 1-3 years old) and Alactagrow Bibo Trio Milk Supplement, citing technological changes in its Code of Standards for milk products.

FDA has recently approved a new standard for children's milk, requiring 3 to 6 grams per 100 calories fat content in milk. The recalled products contain only 1.34 grams per 100 calories.

In a separate interview, Tacandong said the required fat level content is necessary for growing children.

The recall created some confusion on the part of consumers. Some have questioned the safety aspect of the products.

“Ligtas 'yung dalawang produktong ito. Nagkataon lang na nagpalabas recently ng bagong Codex na dagdagan ng konti ang fat content ng dalawang produkto," corporate affairs manager Janryll Fernandez told radio dxMM on Wednesday.

But despite the changes, Fernandez reiterated that the 2 products have passed the stringent FDA standards, and there is no mislabeling.

He said the new order should now answer the questions of consumers.

Fernandez said mothers can call Mead Johnson to change the ones they bought with the new formula at 841-82222 for Metro Manila residents or at toll free number: 1800-1888-5861.