𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞́ 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

… 𝑩𝑭𝑫𝑨 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒚 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒘𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅
𝒐𝒖𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

The Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) has seized and safely disposed of over 225 units
of Nestlé infant formula after detecting contamination in two batches imported from India. The
affected products include 126 units of NAN PRO 1 IF (batch number 52500453T2) and 100
units of NAN PRO 2 FU (batch number 52540453K1), intended for infants up to 12 months old.

The BFDA recovered the products from major outlets in Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang,
Phuentsholing, Tsirang, and Gelephu, following the issuance of a public safety notification. The
authority warned that the contaminated batches may contain a heat-resistant toxin capable of
causing foodborne illness, prompting immediate market inspections.

Parents and caregivers are advised to carefully check the batch number, manufacturing date,
and expiry date of Nestlé infant formula before purchasing or feeding it to infants. The affected
batches were reportedly manufactured on 7th September and 8th June last year and were
supplied to Bhutan from India.

In response to the contamination, the BFDA launched extensive inspections across the country to
ensure that all affected products are removed from sale and that no further public health risks
remain. Officials continue to monitor retail outlets and urge consumers to remain vigilant, report
any suspicious products, and follow the safety guidelines provided.

The move reflects BFDA’s commitment to protecting public health, ensuring product safety, and
maintaining confidence in the infant nutrition supply chain. Authorities have reiterated that no
other batches are currently affected, but parents are encouraged to remain cautious while
purchasing infant formula and to report any concerns promptly.

A BFDA official said, “Following the public notification on the recall of the implicated batches,
nationwide inspection and recall programmes were immediately activated to ensure the products
are removed from circulation.”

The Ministry of Health, through the Department of Public Health, has informed all health
facilities and Dzongkhags via official email and WhatsApp groups, instructing them to notify
parents about the BFDA recall advisory. Authorities have confirmed that no illnesses related to
the recalled products have been reported in the country so far.

The official added, “As a long-term measure to strengthen food safety monitoring, especially for
imported infant nutrition products, BFDA will soon implement the Food Import Control System
for all food commodities, starting with high-risk food categories.”

Sita Adhikari, a pharmacist from Taba, said, “We carefully verified all batch and lot numbers
based on the latest information provided by BFDA to ensure that any potentially affected batches
were immediately removed from our shelves. I am relieved to report that none of the medicines
in our stock were affected, and our inventory remains safe for customers.”

Following the verification process, the pharmacy reached out to all recorded customers to check
the batches and expiry dates of the medicines they had purchased, in line with the BFDA notice.
Visitors to the pharmacy were also informed that the stock was safe and that no recalled batches
were found on-site. This proactive approach helped reassure the public and maintained
confidence in the pharmacy’s commitment to patient safety.

Sita Adhikari further added, “We take patient safety very seriously. Any unsafe or expired items
identified will be reported to BFDA in writing for proper collection and disposal upon their
request. By following these procedures, we ensure that all medicines available to our customers
meet safety standards and that no compromised products are distributed.”

Tshering Lhaden, a mother from Samtse, said the recall has made parents more cautious about
checking food labels and sources. “Earlier, we mostly trusted whatever was available in shops,
but now I pay closer attention to expiry dates, batch numbers, and where the product is coming
from,” she said.

She explained that the notification prompted discussions among parents in her community, with
many sharing information and reminding each other to be careful when purchasing infant
nutrition products. According to her, the recall has increased awareness at the household level,
encouraging parents to be more proactive rather than fully dependent on sellers or packaging
claims.

She added, “Even though no illness has been reported, this situation has taught us to be more
alert as parents. It is a reminder that we also have a responsibility to stay informed and cautious
when it comes to our children’s food.”

Thinley Dorji, a parent from Thimphu who recently welcomed a baby, said the notification on
the recall of infant nutrition products caused understandable concern among new parents. “When
you have a newborn at home, you are extremely careful about everything related to feeding and
health. Hearing about a recall immediately makes you anxious, because infants are very
vulnerable and depend entirely on what parents provide,” he said.

He explained that the information shared through health facilities and official communication
channels helped parents respond responsibly. According to Thinley, having clear guidance from
authorities made it easier to check product labels, verify batch numbers, and avoid the implicated
items. He noted that the absence of reported illness in the country offered some relief but
emphasized that early warnings play a crucial role in prevention rather than reaction.

He added, “Even though no cases have been reported so far, I feel reassured knowing that the
authorities are monitoring the situation closely and taking preventive action. For parents like us,
timely communication and strong food safety measures build confidence and help us make
informed decisions for our children’s well-being.”

Sonam Tshomo from Pemagatshel said, “The medicine was new, and so far, I have not faced any
problems using it.”

She said that although there had been no negative experience, the recent information shared by
the government helped improve public awareness and encouraged people to be more cautious
and informed about medicines and their safety.

She further added, “The awareness from the government is good, and now we are more informed
about checking medicines and staying alert.”