What do experts say about suspected infant formula causing paralysis?

In infants, especially those under 6 months of age, the digestive system is still very immature, bacteria can easily develop and secrete toxins that cause botulinum poisoning. This is one of the most powerful neurotoxins known to medicine.

On November 21, the Department of Food Safety (DFS), Ministry of Health sent an official dispatch to the Department of Health of provinces and cities, the Department of Food Safety of Ho Chi Minh City and other units, urgently reviewing the formula milk product ByHeart Whole Nutrition produced by ByHeart Inc., USA.

This type of milk is being warned about in connection with a series of infant botulism cases in the United States.

Speaking with SGGP Newspaper, Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Le Quoc Hung, Head of the Poison Control Unit, Cho Ray Hospital, said that botulinum toxin is one of the strongest neurotoxins known to medicine.

This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and can cause muscle paralysis, starting in the facial and neck muscles and spreading to the limbs and respiratory muscles.

In infants, especially those under 6 months of age, the risk of poisoning is higher because the digestive system is immature, bacteria can easily grow in the intestines and secrete toxins. Botulinum poisoning in young children is a very serious condition that requires early detection and timely treatment.

However, the initial signs are nonspecific and can be easily overlooked. The earliest symptom is constipation that occurs suddenly or lasts for several days. Later, the baby may have weak sucking, difficulty sucking, choke easily, or take longer to suck.

World Health Organization's recommendations on ByHeart Whole Nutrition milk products

The child becomes limp, lazy to move, has difficulty holding his head, cries weakly, has less flexible facial expressions, and droops eyelids. These signs indicate that the child's muscles and nervous system are beginning to be affected.

As the disease progresses, the child may have weak, slow or irregular breathing – this is a very dangerous sign. Parents should take the child to the hospital immediately.

According to Associate Professor, Doctor, Doctor Le Quoc Hung, Clostridium botulinum bacteria are naturally present in soil, dust and the surrounding environment. They exist in the form of spores, are very durable and can "sleep" for a very long time.

Spores only grow and produce toxins in conditions of low oxygen, adequate moisture, low acidity, and especially in foods that have been improperly stored or processed. Therefore, foods at highest risk include:

- Canned foods that are swollen, deformed, or homemade but not heated enough to kill spores.

- Fermented foods, sealed but the process does not ensure safety.

- Food is stored in an anaerobic, airtight environment, or left at room temperature for too long.

"For children under 1 year old, the most dangerous source of Clostridium botulinum spores has been identified as honey. Therefore, do not give children under 1 year old honey or products containing honey," said Dr. Le Quoc Hung.

In addition, for products for young children, especially formula milk, parents need to closely monitor recall warnings from health authorities.

When a product is warned by health authorities, families should stop using it immediately, keep the packaging and production batch information for comparison. If a child has used the product and has suspicious symptoms, take the child to the hospital for timely examination.

Botulinum poisoning is rare but very dangerous. Recognizing symptoms early, choosing safe foods and following recommendations from authorities are the best ways to protect the health of children and the whole family.

Consumers should note that they should never use food if the can is dented, rusted, or has a strange smell. Once opened, food should be refrigerated and consumed promptly, avoiding long storage at room temperature. If making fermented or canned foods at home, ensure the process is clean, technically correct, at the right temperature, and at the right acid concentration.

GIAO SPIRIT

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nghi-van-sua-cong-thuc-gay-ngo-doc-liet-co-o-tre-nho-chuyen-gia-noi-gi-post824699.html