Media requested to suspend commercials on all milk powder

The Director General of Health Services has requested all print and electronic media heads to suspend commercials on all milk powder until further notice.

Yesterday, the Health Services Director General temporarily halted the release of all imported dairy products containing whey protein from the port after New Zealand warned international health authorities that several dairy products may contain a bacteria that could lead to botulism.

All milk powders imported from New Zealand will be temporarily held at the port while all dairy products containing whey protein concentrate that are already in circulation will be pulled off the shelves.

Every imported dairy product will be tested, the Health Services Director General, Palitha Maheepala stated. He added that infant milk powder in circulation now does not contain any whey protein.

AFP reported last week that New Zealand warned international health authorities of exported dairy products, including infant formula, containing a bacteria that could lead to botulism -- a potentially fatal illness.