A probe has been launched into the sale of baby formula at Dunnes Stores.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and HSE Environmental Health Service have begun what is being described as a “comprehensive investigation” after complaints from customers.
The Journal reporter Eimer McAuley told Newstalk Breakfast that at least one child has fallen ill.
“I understand that this probe was launched after a small number of complaints,” she said.
“Including one related to a case where a baby fell ill after consuming out of date baby formula that was purchased in Dunnes Stores this month.”
Father making baby formula in milk bottle for a newborn. (Igor Stevanovic / Alamy Stock Photo)Under EU law, it is illegal to sell expired food products, although products that have not reached their best before date can still be sold.
If in doubt, people are always urged to check the label.
“The expiration date can be found on baby formula products… You’ll find an expiration date on the bottom of the container,” Ms McAuley said.
“It’s quite small, it’s actually quite hard to find.”
There are important reasons why out of date baby formula should not be used.
Firstly, it might contain dangerous bacteria that will make a child ill and secondly, baby formula loses much of its nutritional value as time goes on.
“It means a baby, if it was being fed on expired baby formula, it might not be getting the nutrients or the calories that it needs to grow properly," Ms McAuley said.
Action
Ms McAuley said Dunnes Stores has now asked staff to check the expiration dates on many if its products.
“One staff member that I spoke to in a different store to the one relating to the complaint about the baby falling ill said that it was the first time in a long time they would have had such a thorough check,” she said.
“It doesn’t happen that often in supermarkets - but every product has been checked.
“I went to Dunnes in Dublin last night and when you go to the baby formula section, you can tell it’s an all-new batch of products there.”
Dunnes Stores has been contacted for comment.
Main image: A mother bottle feeding a baby. Picture by: Cultura Creative RF / Alamy Stock Photo
