Chinese authorities urge greater safety control on infant formula products

BEIJING -- China's State Council Food Safety Office and State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) have instructed local authorities to tighten the quality and safety oversight of infant formula, following a recent precautionary recall of Nestle products.

In response to the recall, which was triggered by the detection of an emetic toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium in certain batches of infant formula, the two authorities have urged Nestle China to complete the recall of specific batches sold on the Chinese mainland, the SAMR said in a statement.

To date, no confirmed cases of poisoning linked to the consumption of infant formula contaminated with the toxin have been reported in China, according to the statement.

The SAMR has also directed local regulators to strengthen risk control across the production chain, urging all manufacturers to screen for the toxin, enforce strict raw materials inspection measures, and tighten checks before products leave factories to ensure the safety of infant formula milk powder.