Government body confirms safety of baby formula

Nestle Australia was forced to order independent tests after numerous complaints from concerned Aust…

Nestle Australia was forced to order independent tests after numerous complaints from concerned Australian consumers regarding its recently re-formulated NAN Hypo Allergenic (H.A.) formula. The Swiss owned giant had been receiving cited complaints of infants experiencing adverse reactions such as dehydration, vomiting and rashes.

Yet despite their concerns, the NSW Food Authority issued a reassuring statement that they were satisfied no health risks were present.

“After reviewing information provided by Nestlé on its product, as well as the results from independent testing by a NATA accredited Australian Laboratory, the Authority is satisfied there are no food safety issues,” the statement said.

Nestle confirmed all complaints were from those who had switched from the old NAN H.A 1 Gold Recipe to the re-formulated version, involving a change in ingredients from calcium chloride for potassium chloride.

The NSW Food Authority also confirmed it is not uncommon for infants who have changed to a new formula to experience certain reactions, especially when they are exposed to new ingredients.

Nestle Australia released a statement on its website in defence of its product after the NSW Food Authority had given it the all clear:

“We understand the concern of those whose babies were unwell, and we want to reassure them that NAN H.A infant formula, like all our products, meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

“We are constantly renovating our range of products as we improve their nutritional profile, taste, flavour and composition. The introduction of a new NAN H.A. range of infant formula products in June 2011 was part of that process. We have received a number of enquiries from consumers who are aware of the change. Among those have been complaints from people who describe adverse reactions in their children which they have linked to the new product. These complaints come from those who have switched from the old product to the new product.”