Maldives bans US-made infant formula after detection of bacteria
Maldives halts sale of ByHeart infant formula following WHO notice that the product contains clostridium botulinum bacteria
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Maldives has banned the import and sale of a US-manufactured infant formula after global health authorities confirmed the presence of clostridium botulinum, a dangerous bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness in infants.
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) said it received an alert through the World Health Organization’s Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), notifying member states that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had detected the bacteria in ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula, a brand produced in the United States. The product has already been recalled internationally.
MFDA said the contaminated batches pose a significant public-health risk, as clostridium botulinum is known to cause botulism, a rare but severe neuroparalytic illness that can lead to muscle paralysis, respiratory failure and, in extreme cases, death. Infants are especially vulnerable given their developing immune systems.
Officials announced an immediate blockade on all imports of the formula brand, alongside a nationwide ban on retail sales. Health authorities also instructed distributors and pharmacies to remove existing stocks from shelves and dispose of them safely to prevent accidental use. Maldivian families who may already possess the product have been urged to stop feeding it to infants and report remaining cans to health officials.
Food-safety agencies globally rely on INFOSAN — a joint WHO and FAO emergency network — to circulate rapid alerts about contaminated food and consumer products that cross borders. The latest notice has triggered precautionary measures not only in the Maldives but also in several other countries reviewing their import chains for the same formula.
Maldivian regulators say the country will continue strengthened inspections of imported formula brands as part of an ongoing effort to safeguard infant nutrition and ensure imported food products meet international standards.
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