Heinz recalls infant food batches in China over lead concerns

H.J. Heinz has recalled four batches of its infant food AD Calcium Hi-Protein cereal in China as a precautionary measure after it was found to contain more than the allowable limit of lead.

Heinz spokesperson Michael Mullen said in emailed statement to Reuters: "This relates to an isolated regional withdrawal in eastern China. Extensive testing confirmed that no other Heinz baby food varieties are affected."

Heinz said it "apologises for any inconvenience caused and would like to assure consumers that Heinz is 100% committed to food quality and safety".

The Zhejiang Food and Drug Administration said that 1,472 boxes of cereal in the province had been affected by the problem and that the company has said it will destroy another 153 boxes that are sealed in a warehouse in the southern city of Guangzhou. Heinz is being urged by the authority to compensate its customers.

The Heinz product is meant for infants aged between six months and three years.

Chinese consumers have become extremely cautious when it comes to safety concerns over infant products, following the 2008 scandal involving melamine-contaminated baby milk powder. At least six babies died and thousands more fell ill.

Last year, dairy major Fonterra reported finding a potentially fatal bacteria in one of its products and voluntarily recalled its infant milk formula and sports drinks from nine countries, including China. However, later tests showed that the initial finding was incorrect.

Lead exposure can cause inhibition of intellectual and physical development in infants,and can also lead to poor concentration, disruptive behaviour and even death when subjected to high levels, according to experts.