Probe Underway After South Akl Mum Finds ‘Bugs’ in Baby Formula

New Zealand Food Safety and Danone have confirmed ongoing investigations after a South Auckland family claimed to have found “bugs” inside a newly opened Aptamil baby formula tin purchased from Chemist Warehouse’s Takanini store in September.

The product, which carried an expiry date of June 20, 2027, was returned by the family, who told The New Zealand Herald they were left “disturbed” upon discovering what they believed to be live insects inside the tin.

Danone, the French multinational company behind Aptamil, told The Indian Weekender that it takes all consumer concerns “extremely seriously” and is currently working with all parties involved to investigate the complaint.

“We have not received any similar complaints about this batch to date, but we are actively monitoring all consumer feedback channels,” Danone highlighted.

New Zealand Food Safety also confirmed it is investigating complaints from consumers reporting material in a brand of infant formula.

“A key part of this work is identifying the material and to help establish the facts, we’ve collected samples of the product for testing,” said Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety.

The complainant, a mother of two who did not wish to be named, told The Herald she noticed what looked like tiny insects moving inside the powder after opening the tin last month.

However, early testing has so far ruled out insect contamination.

“Preliminary results from one set of samples shows it was not insect matter,” Arbuckle said.

“It is likely that the material reported is scorched particles produced during the manufacturing process,” Arbuckle added.

The mother told The Herald she was still disturbed by the discovery, given it involved baby formula, and decided to switch to another formula.

Danone confirmed that a robust pest management programme is in place and that its cans are sealed in low-oxygen, low-moisture environments.

“As oxygen is removed from the cans before sealing, it is unlikely that an insect can remain alive in a sealed can in a low oxygen, low moisture environment,” Danone told The Indian Weekender.

New Zealand Food Safety clarified that scorched particles are a known cosmetic issue in infant formula and are not a food safety concern.

“We are waiting for final test results to confirm findings,” they said.

Authorities confirmed there is no evidence of a wider food safety issue and no further complaints have been received. They also reiterated that infant formula manufacturers in New Zealand must comply with strict production rules in highly controlled environments.

Danone said its products undergo extensive quality testing before being released to market.

“Before our products are released onto the market, we perform a wide range of tests to ensure they meet our high internal and external standards,” the company explained.

Danone said that every batch is tested on physical, chemical, sensory, and microbiological parameters. Foreign matter testing is included in this testing regime.

Chemist Warehouse Takanini also confirmed to The Herald last month that an internal investigation was under way.

Danone further clarified its manufacturing process includes multiple safeguards to prevent contamination.

“Within our manufacturing plant, all incoming materials are flushed with ionised compressed air to remove any foreign matter that could be attached,” the company said.

Explaining how the method is carried out, Danone said that the cans are placed upside down and flushed with ionised air before entering the High Care Area. The ingredients are tipped into a closed system, where they are passed through 2mm x 2mm sieves before being filled into cans in a highly controlled environment.

The manufacturing line is “fully covered until the cans are sealed, to prevent any possible foreign matter contamination,” Danone said.

“We want to reassure our customers that we have a comprehensive quality and food safety program in place to eliminate any possible contamination that could occur during the manufacturing process,” they added.