The deputy director of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), Michael Beer, has promised an investigation into the baby milk recalled from the market due to contamination with the cereulide toxin, reports Blick. So far, fifteen cases of signs of the disease in children have been registered in Switzerland.
In an interview, Beer stated that “laboratory analyses” are being conducted and that “the next step will be to investigate the events of recent weeks. If it turns out that the companies reacted late or did not fulfill their legal obligations, they will face fines and criminal prosecution.”
Companies involved in the recall
The companies Nestlé from Vevey, Hochdorf from Lucerne and the French companies Vitagermine and Danone have carried out gradual withdrawals of several series of baby milk in Switzerland, as well as in other European countries, albinfo.ch reports.
Accusations of delay in response
The Foundation for Consumer Protection (Stiftung für Konsumentenschutz) has accused Danone of delaying the recall of Aptamil brand milk. The FSVO’s deputy director said he was “also dissatisfied with the companies’ reaction, especially because of their delay.” He added: “But I assure you that we, as the competent authority, did everything in our power.”
He also stressed that “it is unacceptable for toxins to contaminate food without immediate intervention. In the event of a health risk, a mass recall should be initiated without delay – better too many recalls than too few.” According to him, “producers should do everything to prevent contamination and control their suppliers more strictly.”
Michael Beer does not foresee “any further mass recalls. Parents who are buying baby milk in stores have no reason to worry.”
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