Infant formula lead scare sparks safety concerns as mothers call for tighter checks

[Photo: Yuki Lei]

A batch of “Royal Friso Gold 1” baby formula is being recalled in Macau for elevated lead levels, though manufacturer FrieslandCampina says the levels comply with Hong Kong and Macau standards, as a group of new mothers urges the government to strengthen safety checks and make “encouraging childbirth” more than a slogan.

Macau authorities have ordered a recall of a batch of Royal Friso Gold 1 infant formula after tests detected lead levels of 0.2 mg/kg – exceeding local safety standards – with the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF), and the Health Bureau (SSM) issuing a joint weekend statement and establishing a dedicated green channel for infant medical checks.

On Sunday, 26 enquiries and 12 appointments were recorded, while 125 enquiries were received yesterday, with 38 people making appointments for the special outpatient service and five infants using the paediatric emergency green channel.

According to a joint statement released last night by the three bureaus, no emergency cases of lead poisoning were identified among those seeking medical assistance. Some children have undergone blood tests and are being followed up through paediatric specialist outpatient services.

Since the case was announced, the IAM has increased inspections at pharmacies, supermarkets and other retail outlets, carrying out 64 inspection visits. With the cooperation of the local importer, a total of 48 cans from the affected batch have been recalled so far.

Authorities said regular food safety testing has been conducted on infant formula and complementary foods. From 2024 to June 2026, a total of 131 samples were tested for microbiological and chemical risks, including lead levels, with no cases of excessive lead detected.

Amid the government’s announcement, manufacturer FrieslandCampina issued a statement insisting that the product’s lead levels comply with both Hong Kong and Macau standards, citing additional third-party quality tests.

Yesterday, local government authorities met with representatives of the brand’s Hong Kong distributor, manufacturer and local importer to continue investigating and following up on the incident.

Meanwhile, a letter signed by “a group of mothers concerned about their children’s future” began circulating on social media the day after the government’s announcement, addressed to the Chief Executive and relevant authorities.

The letter expressed the anxiety felt by new mothers over recurring infant formula safety scares, saying that each time such news breaks, “our lips tremble” as they rush to check batch numbers on formula cans at home, sometimes unable to sleep at night.

It described infants as “the most vulnerable and helpless” members of society, dependent on formula as their sole source of nutrition for months or even a year, and warned that heavy metal accumulation in their bodies “can cause irreversible damage.”

The letter warned that if children’s health is compromised by food safety issues, the consequences would not only bring lifelong grief to parents but would also translate into burdens on healthcare and special education systems, with far-reaching consequences for Macau society.

The open letter made four specific requests to the government: first, to implement the strictest import and testing mechanisms, requiring batch-by-batch inspections and increased border checks; second, to establish a cross-departmental rapid alert and information transparency platform to provide clear and consistent guidance during food safety incidents.

Third, it called for strengthened joint prevention and control efforts with food safety authorities in neighboring regions and internationally, ensuring Macau can respond immediately to overseas alerts. Fourth, it urged the government to improve medical support and long-term health monitoring for infants who have consumed affected products.

The letter concluded: “Raising a child requires the support of the whole of society. We are willing to take on our responsibilities as mothers, but we ask the government to be our strongest backing – to strictly guard the quality of every can of formula, so that every child born in Macau can grow up safe and healthy.”