PUTRAJAYA, 13 Dec 2017:
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) will order the withdrawal of alleged fake instant formula from the shelves based on chemist report.
Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the ministry was still waiting for the test result of the infant formula that were seized at drug stores and convenience stores in Johor Bahru last Thursday before deciding on the next course of action.
“I hope the report will be out soon. We have to wait and only after it is confirmed can we take the necessary action.
“We will also discussed the matter with the health ministry, which is responsible for approving the product to be sold,.“
Last Sunday, enforcement officers from the ministry seized 210 boxes of infant formula – believed to be fake – in five raids in Johor Bahru.
Questioned on the delay in conducting the raid as the complaints on the fake infant formula was received by the ministry since last Oct 14, Hamzah said investigation had to be carried out before the ministry, together with the manufacturer, Mead Johnson Malaysia, could conduct the raid.
He advised parents to exercise caution when buying formula for their children and to buy the product at established outlets, as well as to identify the features that could differentiate the product between genuine and fake ones.
Consumers can also contact the Health Ministry or Mead Johnson hotline at 1-800-88-3585 to lodge complaints or for any inquiry, he said.
Meanwhile, in JOHOR BAHRU, Johor Health, Environment, Education and Information Committee Datuk Ayub Rahmat said no report on baby suffering from health problems due to their consumption of formula was received following the seizure of the fake formula.
“Alhamdulillah, we are able to control it (sale of fake formula(, but we advise consumers to be cautious and always ascertain they only buy genuine products.”
He suggested that KPDNKK explain to the public the features that could help them differentiate between genuine and fake products.
Meanwhile, 11street vice president of merchandising Bruce Lim said in a statement: “We can assure our consumers that Mead Johnson’s range of Enfragrow products – a line of products nutritionally tailored for toddlers and pregnant women – sold on our platform are guaranteed to be authentic.
“As one of the leading manufacturers of infant formula globally, Mead Johnson remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the quality of its products, and we share this vision in offering only trustworthy products to our consumers.”
He added that Enfagrow is currently one of 11street’s Star Brand, and in conjunction with this, consumers will receive an additional 10% discount and enjoy free shipping.
“On top of Enfagrow, 11street also features a host of other baby formula products, such as those from Isomil & Similac, Pediasure, and Wyeth S26. All these brands own their respective certified stores on www.11street.my, which guarantee the authenticity of the products.”
– Bernama