13 babies at KKH, NUH were given recalled Dumex milk formula
File photos of KK Women's and Children's Hospital and the National University Hospital in Singapore.
SINGAPORE: Thirteen babies were given the recalled Dumex Mamil Gold milk formula at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and the National University Hospital (NUH), the hospitals have confirmed.
On Monday, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority said it has recalled a batch of Dumex Mamil Gold infant milk formula – Step 1 (850g) after the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria was found in samples of the product.
Twelve babies were fed the milk formula at KKH, the hospital confirmed on Thursday (Aug 23), while one was at NUH.
KKH had earlier said that 13 babies were given the affected formula, but revised its numbers in an update.
The 12 infants are "reported to be well", the chairman of KKH's medical board said in response to Channel NewsAsia's queries.
"KKH is closely monitoring the situation. Our team of medical specialists is on standby to provide care and support where necessary," said Associate Professor Ng Kee Chong.
He said the hospital has removed all tins of the implicated batch of products, and has since stopped using this brand of milk powder.
"Our top priority is the health of the babies. Should they have symptoms such as fever, poor feeding or lethargy, or if the infant feels unwell, parents and caregivers should immediately consult a doctor," Assoc Prof Ng added.
NUH said one infant might have been fed the recalled milk and the father has been advised to monitor his child’s condition and seek treatment if there are symptoms.
"To date, we have not received any reports of our NUH young patients experiencing any symptoms related to this recalled product," it said.
Like KKH, NUH said it has removed the affected products from its hospital.
Cronobacter infections are generally rare, but they can be fatal to newborns as they may cause meningitis or sepsis.
The affected batch, which was made in Malaysia, has an expiry date of Sep 11, 2019. The batch number is 09117R1.
The Health Ministry said on Tuesday that the milk had been used at KKH and NUH.
The ministry also said that babies who might have been given the affected milk were those below six months old, and who were admitted to the two hospitals between Aug 1 and Aug 20.
