Gov’t activates green channel after lead-contaminated baby formula found

Macau has set up a green channel for infant health checks after a batch of “Royal Friso Gold 1” baby formula was found to contain lead above permissible levels.

The authorities issued a joint warning Saturday after a batch of Royal Friso Gold 1 baby formula was found with lead levels above safety limits. The implicated product, with a net weight of 800 grams, batch number 1W07KPJ, and expiry date of September 30, 2027, was found to contain 0.2 mg/kg of lead – surpassing the permissible limit.

According to the authorities, random checks conducted on other batches of infant formula currently on the market have so far detected no irregularities. A new mother’s social media post has captured the anxiety felt by many Macau parents following the recall of a lead-contaminated batch of Royal Friso Gold 1 infant formula.

“As a parent, news like this terrifies me,” she wrote. “My baby is only 10 days old, and we’re using Royal Friso Gold 1. I know it’s not the same batch, but I honestly don’t feel safe continuing.”

The authorities have stressed that they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, having immediately ordered retailers to remove the affected batch from shelves, initiate a recall, and cease sales, while also notifying the brand’s local distributor and importer for follow-up action. Businesses holding the affected products have been instructed to suspend sales and secure the items immediately.

Residents have been urged to seek medical attention without delay if any infant or young child experiences adverse reactions after consuming the product – regardless of whether it was purchased locally, online, through personal shopping agents, or via other channels.

The Health Bureau has urged concerned families to seek medical advice through its green channel for reassurance, noting that if infants or young children develop any adverse symptoms after consuming the affected product, parents may take them to the pediatric emergency departments of Conde de São Januário Hospital, Kiang Wu Hospital, or the Macau Medical Centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, where they will receive priority attention.

The authorities have also opened a special pediatric clinic at Conde de São Januário Hospital for further health checkups and assessments, available by appointment.