Re-formulated Nestlé infant formula tested after consumer complaints

08-Aug-2012 - Last updated on 09-Aug-2012 at 13:22 GMT

Nestlé Australia has ordered tests on its recently re-formulated Nestlé NAN H.A. 1 Gold infant formula after it received a number of complaints from parents that the 'new, improved' product was making their children ill.

Last year, Nestlé introduced new technology to produce the new Nestlé NAN H.A. 1 Gold and switched calcium chloride for potassium chloride, which according to the firm produces “a better taste and a smoother texture to the powder.”

“Its nutritional profile was also improved, in line with the most recent recommendations from paediatricians,” Nestlé added.

Consumers have lodged complaints with the company, and many more have posted scathing reviews of the re-formulated product online – citing rashes, dark green stools, dehydration and vomiting among the symptoms experienced by their children.

“No food safety issue”

Nestlé Australia has commissioned tests to be conducted on the product in question, but to date no food safety issue has been identified.

“In Australia some consumers have complained that their babies fed on Nestlé NAN H.A. 1 Gold infant formula have become unwell,” said a statement published by Nestlé Australia.

“We have strict quality control procedures in place throughout the manufacturing process to ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and safety. We always take consumer complaints very seriously. We have run further tests on Nestlé NAN H.A. 1 Gold in Australia, using an independent laboratory. The results we have to date confirm there is no food safety issue.”

“The safety and quality of our products is non-negotiable priority for the company,” the statement added.

DairyReporter.com approached Nestlé Australia for further comment, but no response was received prior to publication.

Purchase boycott

This is the second time in as many months that Nestlé NAN Hypo Allergenic infant formula has hit the headlines.

In June 2012, Nestlé South Africa shrugged off threats of a purchase boycott of its Nestlé NAN Hypo Allergenic (HA) infant formula by the country’s Hindu community, after a religious leader raised concerns that pork enzymes had been used during processing.

Hindus, as well as Jews and Muslims, do not consume pork, pork derivatives or traces of any pork constituent.

In a letter to Nestlé South Africa, president of the South African Hindu Dharma Sabha, Ram Maharaj said that the community would not allow Nestlé to “trample upon Hindu sensitivities without impunity.”