MFDS Urges Caution for Overseas Direct Purchase of US Baby Formula 'Similac'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 3rd that it has confirmed safety concerns regarding the infant formula product "Similac" manufactured by Abbott in the United States and sold in the U.S. and other countries, and urged consumers not to purchase this product through overseas direct purchase.

The problematic products include Similac regular infant formula as well as 'Similac PM 60/40', 'Alimentum', and 'EleCare' manufactured at the Michigan plant. Although these products have never been officially imported into Korea, it is known that some individuals have purchased them through overseas direct purchase.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on the 28th of last month cases of infant formula from Abbott being contaminated with Cronobacter and initiated a recall of these products. The manufacturer also issued recalls twice on the 17th and 28th of last month for some Similac products sold in the U.S., Canada, and over 30 other countries, stating that "there have been reports of infants who consumed the formula testing positive for Cronobacter and dying, prompting the product recall."

Cronobacter is a type of enterobacteria widely distributed in the natural environment, and infection in newborns and infants (under 12 months) has been reported to have a mortality rate of up to 20%.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is monitoring 11 domestic online shopping malls, including Naver and Auction eBay, to prevent domestic consumers who use overseas direct purchase from suffering harm. Sales have been confirmed on two sites, and product sales have been blocked on these sites. Additionally, the Korea Customs Service has been requested to hold customs clearance to prevent the imported products from entering the country. To inform consumers, product information has been posted in the overseas direct purchase food category on the "Food Safety Korea" website.

An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated, "We will continuously monitor the products and take prompt action to block sales and imports if sales are confirmed," and added, "Consumers who have purchased the products directly from overseas are advised to seek consultation through 'Food Safety Korea > Overseas Direct Purchase Food All Baro > International Trade Consultation > International Trade Consumer Portal (Korea Consumer Agency).'"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.