By Lee Hyo-sik
Bacteria causing food poisoning and other illnesses in humans were found in one of the baby formulas produced by Maeil Dairies, the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service said Friday.
Following the discovery of the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, also called golden staph, in the Absolute Premium Plus-2 formula made by Maeil, the state-run quarantine service agency requested the Gyeonggi Provincial Government to immediately withdraw all contaminated products from retailers’ shelves. Consumers were also asked to return the formula to stores or the manufacturer.
The agency demanded that the provincial government toughen administrative action against the maker and introduce a range of measures to prevent such contamination in the future.
The contaminated baby formula was produced in Maeil’s plant in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on Feb. 6. The company produced a total of 49,774 cans of the formula that day. Of the total, 37,714 cans have been distributed across the country, with the remaining 12,060 cans still in the firm’s warehouse.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can cause food poisoning and skin infections in humans among other health complications.
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, and can be normally treated with antibiotics.