DOH, FDA revise recall order against Alactagrow, Sustagen
MANILA – The Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday revised an earlier order against two milk products from Mead Johnson Nutrition Philippines Inc. (MJNPI), saying these are fit for consumption.
The management of the MJNPIA confirmed in a text message to the Philippines News Agency that Health Secretary Enrique Ona and top officials of the FDA cancelled the recall order.
MJNPI spokesman Janryll Fernandez said they are elated with the sudden turn of events.
For his part, Ona clarified to avoid speculation that there are no safety issues involved with the Mead Johnson products ordered for withdrawal.
The milk products ordered for recall on September 16 are Alactagrow Bibo Trio Milk Supplement and Sustagen Junior Milk Powder (Vanilla flavor) due to failure to comply with the standard fat level content per 100 calories.
The MJNPI has since released a re-formulated version of Alactagrow out in the market while Sustagen is in the process of renewing its formulation.
Earlier, in response to an administrative recall order from the FDA to remove current supplies from distribution and sale, MJNPI assured consumers that there is no safety issue with Alactagrow and Sustagen Junior.
The Philippine FDA has issued a Class III order, the lowest level, which is used for products that have technical compliance issues.
The regulatory definition of a Class III order specifically states that the use of or exposure to the product “is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
“Safety is Mead Johnson’s highest priority and the company spares no effort to comply with the laws of all of the countries in which it operates,” said Paul Richards, president and General Manager of MJNPI.
“All of the company’s products are produced in accordance with the CODEX Code of Hygienic Practice for Foods for Infants and Children,” he said.*PNA
