Recalled baby milk not available in Malta

The recall of baby milk by Swiss food giant Nestlè does not affect Malta because the product in question is not imported here.

The milk - Nidina 1 and 2 and Latte Mio - was recalled after it was found that it was contaminated with traces of isioprphythioxanthone (ITX), an ink component used in the off-set printing process of the milk's Tetra Pak cartons, Nestlè's branch in Italy said yesterday.

The company said it had decided to withdraw all liquid infant formula milks packed in off-set printed cartons last week. The decision was made as "an extreme precautionary measure" to reassure consumers, despite beliefs that the level of ITX measured in the tested products did not represent a health risk, it added.

Contacted yesterday, Nestlè's local representatives confirmed that the product in question was not imported into Malta. The product in question is liquid baby milk and not the powder formula available here.

"All Nestlè baby food products in Malta are safe and free from any imperfections," the local representatives said.

Reuters yesterday quoted a spokesman for Nestlè saying the contaminated baby milk had been recalled in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Consumers can call Nestlè on freephone 8007 2209 for more information.