Karicare responds to claims of ‘contaminated’ baby formula after investigation

The company behind Karicare baby formula has responded to claims of “contamination” in some tins in Australia.

Several mothers took to social media to voice their concerns after claiming to have found small “black plastic” pieces in one of the brand’s most popular varieties.

They claimed that some tins of Karicare Birth to Six Months Infant Formula were “contaminated” with the “black particles”.

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But after launching an investigation, Danone Nutricia, which distributes Karicare, said the claims were “unfounded”.

The company said “black foreign matter” was “identified to be a piece of gel nail polish”, which it said did not originate from its factory during the manufacturing process.

And it said other “small black particles” were “scorched milk particles” which, although “unsightly”, were “harmless”.

Aussie mums have spoken out after discovering ‘black particles’. Karicare says the image, left, is consistent with a ‘scorched milk particle’. Credit: Formula Fed Babies Australia/Facebook

“We have been undertaking an investigation following a recent customer inquiry,” a spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.

“The results of a comprehensive analysis undertaken by a reputable independent laboratory have been received this morning, and it has been confirmed the black foreign matter was identified to be a piece of gel nail polish; 3 layers – gel base, black polish and glitter.

“The testing confirms the matter did not originate from our factory.

“Our strict protocols and rules on site for all factory employees include:

  • Fingernails must be kept short and clean
  • No nail polish, artificial nails, or false eyelashes are allowed. This rule applies to all staff, contractors and visitors who go into the production area, and this rule must be followed
  • In the production area where our products are filled and sealed, gloves must be worn at all times.”

The company said the testing confirmed there had been “no contamination” in the manufacturing process as each batch of formula undergoes thorough testing.

Tins of this variety of Karicare formula were investigated. Credit: Karicare

“Foreign matter testing is included as part of this testing regime. All parameters met the specifications for this product at the time of release,” the spokesperson said.

“Our testing indicates no contamination occurred during the manufacturing process, as all on-line controls were present and fully functioning at the time of production.

“Based on the investigation above, we can confirm there are no issues with this batch and it is safe to continue using.

“We hope that this explanation brings our Karicare users some reassurance.”

Repeated incidents

Speaking to 7NEWS.com.au earlier, one mum said she was concerned after seeing reports of repeated incidents.

“Recently groups of mums in Facebook formula feeding groups have discovered that multiple people have found black plastic contaminates inside their Karicare 0-6mths baby formula,” she said.

“Karicare is aware and have sent replacement tins to some people who sent back the contaminated products, but there is yet to be a recall.

“More mums are still finding black plastic-like pieces both inside the powder and inside prepared baby bottles.”

One mum said she’d found the foreign matter in two separate tins she’d purchased – and that her baby had already consumed some of the formula.

“A heads up if you’re using Karicare 0-6 months,” she wrote on the Formula Fed Babies Australia page.

“This is my second tin this week that I’ve found something black and hard throughout it.

“Found it both times we’ve gotten half way through the tin. I’ve contacted them.”

Other Facebook users also spoke out about the growing reports.

One mum reported finding ‘black and hard’ particles in two tins of Karicare formula. Karicare says this image is consistent with a ‘scorched milk particle’. Credit: Formula Fed Babies Australia/Facebook

“A lady posted a few days ago that there was a batch that had black stuff all through them and apparently Karicare is aware,” one said.

Another said: “I know a few people have mentioned that there is an issue with Karicare finding black particles in the formula at the moment.”

But, following the company’s investigation, the Danone Nutricia spokesperson also responded to those claims.

This post was shared on Facebook. Credit: Formula Fed Babies Australia/Facebook

“We’re also aware there are a small number of other concerned Karicare users who have identified small black particles in their formula,” the spokesperson said.

“We know that instances whereby parents identify black particles in their formula can be alarming and understand this is most commonly scorched milk particles.

“Scorched milk particles are a common occurrence caused when the powder becomes heated during the manufacturing process and appear in the formula as small black or brown particles.

“Whilst this anomaly is unsightly, the particles are harmless and do not pose a risk to food safety and the health of infants. Scorched milk particles are commonly experienced by all manufacturers of infant formula.”

Health is priority

The company said the health and wellbeing of the users of its products were a priority.

“We would like to reassure our Karicare families of our commitment to the quality and safety of our products. We encourage Karicare users with any questions or concerns to contact our Careline team on 1800 438 500,” the company said.

The representative said the company had “strict protocols and processes” to ensure the “quality of all products” during manufacturing.

“Before our products leave the factory, we perform a wide range of tests to ensure they meet our high internal standards,” the spokesperson said.

“Every batch is tested on physical, chemical and microbiological properties.

“All our formula is made in a closed system and sifted through 2mm sieves before being filled into tins.

“Tins are flushed with ionised air prior to being filled, as well as being x-rayed and visually assessed for any foreign matter before being sealed.”

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