Update On Suspension Of European Food Products Deriving From Livestock And Poultry

07 Jun 1999

ENV will continue to conduct checks at retail outlets and supermarkets to ensure strict compliance with the suspension of European food products derived from livestock and poultry. Members of the public who come across such products in any retail outlets could contact the Ministry of the Environment at 1800-7319222. ENV will advise the retailers to take the suspended products off the shelves immediately and if they do not, they may stand to have their products confiscated. ENV would like to advise the public not to buy or consume these products until further notice.

The suspended food products will only be allowed back on the shelves when ENV is satisfied that the exporting European countries' food authorities have certified their safety.

As the suspension affects infant milk products, the Ministry of Health would like to advise parents on various alternatives that they could take for their newborns or infants, who are on infant formula from European countries.

For newborns or infants below two weeks old, mothers could start breastfeeding them or continue to breastfeed them if they are already doing so.

For young infants on both breastfeeding and infant formula, step up breastfeeding and stop the formula milk where possible or change to a formula not from Europe as follows:

For infants below four months, parents are advised to change from the suspended infant formula to one that is not European. Basically, there is no difference in nutritional value between the different brands of infant formula. Whether babies can get used to a certain brand is a matter of taste. However, parents with babies on special infant formula are advised to consult their own doctors.

For infants four months and older, change to full cream (whole) milk. Skimmed milk is not recommended for all infants.

It is not necessary to change from cow's milk to soy formula. Both types of milk have the same nutritional value. If parents decide to switch to soy formula, it is advisable to consult the doctor first as some babies may have soy protein allergy.

For older babies, change to alternative milk and step up semi-solids and solids.

Parents are advised to consult the doctor if they are unsure, or they could call the Ministry of Health at 4353530.