Authorities order

After poison scandal: Baby milk must be removed from shelves

Danone's Aptamil products are also affected by the immediate recall.(Bild: stock.adobe.com null)

As part of targeted food inspections, the Vienna Market Authority today, Thursday, issued a ban on the sale of large quantities of baby food from the company Aptamil.

The scandal surrounding contaminated baby food is now spreading. In recent days, products that tested positive for Bacillus cereus toxin were found again, requiring immediate action by the authorities. The Vienna Market Authority (MA 59) took a total of 26 samples. More than 15 products and 50 batches have been affected so far.

Immediate recall
The Market Authority has therefore initiated an immediate recall of several affected products; the goods in question may no longer be sold or distributed until further notice. The respective food authorities in the federal states are responsible for monitoring and implementing the ban. In the Austrian capital, this is the Vienna Market Authority.

Danone's Aptamil products are also affected by the immediate recall(Bild: stock.adobe.com null)

• The products affected include Aptamil Pronutra Pre 800g, Apatamil Pronutra Pre 700g, Apatamil Pronutra Pre 400g, Aptamil Pronutra 1,800g, Aptamil Pronutra 2,800g, Aptamil Profutura duoAdvance Pre 800g, Aptamil Profutura DuoAdvance 1,800g, and Aptamil Profutura DuoAdvance 2,800g.

• In Austria, eight batches of Milumil Pre 800g and three batches of Milumil 1,800g are affected by the recall.

Here is the complete list:

(Bild: Krone KREATIV)

However, the recall does not only affect Austria: recalls of various baby foods have also been initiated in Germany, Switzerland, and France. The market authority recommends that consumers do not continue to use the affected products under any circumstances. Above a certain level, cereulide can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms usually occur between 30 minutes and six hours after consumption. Parents who are concerned are advised to seek medical advice.

As soon as there is even the slightest doubt about food safety, we act consistently and immediately.

Wiener Marktamtsdirektor Andreas Kutheil

Bild: MA 59

Vienna's Deputy Mayor and City Councilor for Consumer Protection Bettina Emmerling (Neos) emphasizes the responsibility of the authorities: "Parents must be able to rely on children's food meeting the highest safety standards. The City of Vienna's Market Authority relies on strict controls and clear measures to protect consumers." Market Authority Director Andreas Kutheil also emphasizes the importance of swift preventive measures: "Protecting health, especially that of children, is our top priority."

"Spar is not affected by the recall"
Manufacturers have been asked to provide complete proof of safety before products can be re-released. "Spar is not affected by the recall; we did not have these products in our range," said the company spokeswoman. The discounter Hofer also did not carry any of the affected products. "Products affected by the recall that are available in our stores will of course be recalled immediately and removed from sale," the REWE Group said in response to an inquiry from "Krone." As soon as Danone's statement is available, it will be added.