Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Department of Health (DH) today (July 26) urged the public to immediately stop consuming a batch of powdered infant formula, and to observe the health conditions of infants who have consumed the batch concerned.
The DH received notification from the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department last night (July 25) that the product “Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 Infant Formula” (batch number: 1W07KPJ) was found by the Macao authority with lead possibly exceeding its permissible levels. Preliminary investigation by the CFS revealed that the affected batch of the product had been imported into Hong Kong. The CFS is stepping up the surveillance of powdered infant and young children formula in the market and will continue to closely monitor the recall of the related product. No other batches of the relevant product have been found to have excessive lead content so far. The CFS has been collecting powdered infant and young children formula samples from local retail outlets for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. From 2023 to June 2026, the CFS has collected over 2 000 powdered infant and young children formula samples from the market for chemical and microbiological testing, including lead content tests. No unsatisfactory samples for lead content were found.
The DH has set up a telephone hotline (2125 1199), which will operate from 3pm to 9pm today, and from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays), to answer public enquiries relating to the health conditions of infants and the switching of milk formula. The DH will refer the relevant cases to the Hospital Authority for follow up if necessary.
When parents switch milk formula for their children, they should note the following: (i)choose the type of formula appropriate for the child’s age; (ii) different brands of formula milk may have different dilution methods, parents shall follow the instructions of dilution method as indicated by the new brand of formula; and (iii) there may be changes in the child’s stool frequency, texture and/or colour after switching the formula. This is because the amount of additives like iron, prebiotics, etc., does vary amongst the different brands, and such changes are acceptable. For details, please refer to the ” Points to note when switching milk formula for your child” on the DH website.
Lead has no essential function in man. It is always good for health to achieve the lowest possible lead level in the body. Acute exposure to high doses of lead may cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Chronic exposure to lead, depending on the lead level inside the body, is associated with a wide range of health effects, including neurodevelopmental effects, anaemia, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal symptoms, impaired renal function and neurological impairment.
The DH urged the public not to let infants and young children consume the affected batch of the product. If infants and young children feel unwell after consuming the product concerned or if parents are in doubt, they should seek advice from healthcare professionals as soon as possible.