ACIM Issues Warning for 2 Baby Milk Brands following International Health Alert

A major health alert has been issued for parents in Mauritius following an international recall of specific batches of Aptamil and Nursie infant formulas due to potential contamination with a dangerous toxin.

The Association des Consommateurs de l’île Maurice (ACIM) called an emergency press conference on Wednesday, 18 March, to warn the public that certain lots of the popular baby milks may contain cereulide.

The toxin is known to trigger severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.

While local contamination has not yet been officially confirmed, ACIM officials stressed that the vulnerability of infants makes the international alert a matter of extreme urgency.

Government Silence Sparking Concern

Jayen Chellum, General Secretary of the ACIM, expressed sharp criticism over the official response to the crisis.

Mr Chellum revealed that despite multiple attempts to secure meetings with both the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, his requests have been met with silence.

The consumer advocacy group also hit out at the lack of communication from the manufacturer involved, labelling the current transparency levels as “regrettable.”

Demands for Stricter Controls

The association is now demanding immediate state intervention to inform the public and mitigate risks to infant health.

Key figures, including Khalil Emmanbakus and Jayraj Mahadewa, have joined Mr Chellum in calling for:

• Enhanced Coordination: Better communication between health and commerce institutions.
• Greater Transparency: Immediate public disclosure regarding affected batches.
• Reinforced Monitoring: A total overhaul of control mechanisms to guarantee consumer safety.

Advice for Parents

The ACIM has urged parents to exercise extreme vigilance. Families are advised to immediately check the batch numbers on any Aptamil or Nursie products currently in their homes and to stay tuned to further health authority recommendations.

“The safety of consumers must remain the absolute priority,” the association stated, maintaining that any health alert of this nature must be met with “seriousness and speed.”

Source: l’Express