A popular baby formula brand are voluntarily recalling a specific batch of their S26 Original Progress formula, after a rotting lizard was found in a tin on Friday.
Aspen Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd is very concerned that a customer has reported finding a lizard in a tin of S-26 Original Progress formula, and is voluntarily conducting a precautionary trade withdrawal of the affected batch number 40727482A2 while it investigates the issue.
Aspen Nutritionals does not believe this is a health and safety issue. Consumers can continue using the product. If consumers feel uncomfortable or want further information they are requested to contact the Aspen Nutritionals Careline on 1800 552 229 from 9am-5pm AEST. For more information please see their website.
Artilina Castanares, from The Ponds in Sydney, made the unpleasant discovery after opening a newly purchased tin of S-26 Original Progess formula late last week. “I opened it and there was a funny smell. Its tail was sticking up and, thinking it was a thread, I lifted it up and it was a gecko,” Mrs Castanares said.
“I squealed and dropped it. I was in shock from then on.”
She then rang the brand’s consumer hotline to report the incident and was told to return the tin to Aspen Nutritionals Australia. Days later, Aspen Nutritionals have announced a voluntary recall of all formula from the same batch, number 40727482A2.
“Aspen Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd is very concerned that a customer has reported finding a lizard in a tin of S-26 Original Progress formula, and is voluntarily withdrawing the affected batch number 40727482A2 while it investigates the issue,” read a statement released on Monday. “No other products or batches are affected, and consumers can continue to use these with confidence.”
Stephen Voordouw, general manager of Aspen Nutritionals Australia, emphasised that no other batches have been affected, and said an investigation will take place.
“From our discussion with the complainant we have confirmed that the product can, its contents and packaging will be returned to the NSW Food Authority. It will then be thoroughly tested as a matter of urgency in an independent laboratory here in Australia, and also at the manufacturing site,” Mr Voordouw said.
“In the meantime, as a precaution, we are withdrawing only the affected batch from the trade.”
Customers who purchased tins from the affected batch are to contact the brand’s Careline (freecall) 1800 552 229, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm AEST.
