Brands of baby formula linked to New Zealand dairy giant Fonterra have been given a clean bill of health by Qatari authorities, days after they were removed from the shelves over health concerns.

Last week, the company had announced a recall in some countries after the discovery of botulism-causing bacteria in some of its whey products.

Qatar was not on that list, and tests conducted by the Ministry of Munipality and Urban Planning on samples withdrawn from sale in Qatar have shown that the milk is safe to use.

Earlier this week, the Qatari government ordered grocery stores to stop selling Anchor Milks 1 Plus and 3 Plus and Similac Gain Plus IQ 1-3 (which uses Fonterra ingredients) as a precaution after three batches of whey protein concentrate manufactured by Fonterra tested positive for Clostridium botulinum.

Some of the affected product was exported to neighboring KSA, but not to the Qatari market, it has been confirmed.

Assurances

Abbott, the manufacturer of Similac Gain Plus IQ, had previously told Doha News that its product was safe because it was manufactured in Ireland, not in New Zealand, where the health scare originated.

Abbott contacted us again today to confirm that its products are now back on sale in Qatar, saying in a statement:

“Parents and healthcare professionals can be assured that all Abbott products including infant formula in Qatar are safe to consume, are of the highest quality and comply with rigorous safety standards.”

Meanwhile, Fonterra has also issued a statement confirming that its milk brands sold in Qatar –  Anchor, Anlene and Chesdale – are unaffected and safe to drink. 

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Credit: Photo by Sergio Maestrello