MFDA bans sale of cereulide-contaminated baby formula batches

Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has banned the sale of contaminated batches ‘Baby Bio’ infant formula which were found to contain cereulide.

In a statement on Sunday, the Authority said certain batches of French-manufactured ‘Baby Bio’ instant formula has been reported to contain the toxin, cereulide, with the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifying MFDA of French authorities’ decision to recall and dispose of the contaminated batches.

According to MFDA, cereulide is a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Its consumption can trigger symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

As a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, the Authority has prohibited the import, sale, and consumption of related products in the Maldives. The include:

Baby Bio Optima 1 – Batch No: 900932, 894408, 900035

Baby Bio Caprea 1 – Batch No: 899014

Concerns about the safety of medicines and food products surface from time to time. A recent example involves Semaglutide, a drug mainly prescribed to manage blood sugar, being marketed for weight loss.