Tonga has banned the sales and use of two Karicare Infant Formula products for newborns and for six-months babies and older after receiving information that the products may contain contaminated ingredients. The ban came into effective on Thursday, August 8, and will remain until further notice.

The Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour announced the ban after the Tonga government was advised by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga that the manufacturer of the infant formula product, Nutricia, was conducting a voluntary recall in New Zealand of the Karicare Infant Formula Stage 1 and Karicare Gold and Follow On Formula Stage 2.

The Minstry stated that the recall was due to information provided by Fonterra about ingredient contamination. It is thought the ingredient whey protein concentrate (WPC80) may contain contamination by clostridium botulinum which can cause illness.

Tonga Imports

In 2012 Tonga imported from New Zealand 52,798 kg of various food preparations products, including milk products for infant use. New Zealand supplied the highest quantity imported for retail use out of eight countries that Tonga imported from.

Alternative

Meanwhile, Dr Siaosi 'Aho the Head of the Paediatric Ward at Vaiola Hospital said the ban of this product would not afffect the availability of baby formula in Tonga.

He said there were many other baby formula alternatives such as SMA or S26. "But we recommend mothers to make sure they buy humanised formula or milk. Breastfeeding is the best and should be carried on until the baby is at least one-year-old with support from proper baby formulas," he said.

Dr 'Aho said they have not received any complaints in regards to Karicare infant formula products at the hospital.