JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) — The Drug and Food Control Authority (DFCA) has announced it will address escalating public concerns regarding Nestlé infant formula products following international reports of specific batches being recalled due to possible contamination.

The move comes after a South Sudanese parent raised an alarm over S-26 baby milk formula, claiming his child developed a rash after consuming the product. This local incident coincides with a global withdrawal of certain Nestlé infant milk brands.

The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) confirmed it is working closely with the DFCA to investigate the health concerns.

Speaking to Eye Radio, Ashjan Paulino Edward, the Director General for Technical Operations at the SSNBS, stated that the two institutions are in thorough consultations and will soon release a joint statement.

“Infant products fall under the mandate of the DFCA,” Ashjan explained. “The management of the DFCA and the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards are discussing this matter thoroughly to issue a joint statement on the current incidents.”

According to Ashjan, the information regarding the recall reached South Sudanese authorities through the Codex Forum—an East African food safety platform—and was subsequently circulated through South Sudan’s own Food Safety Forum.

Once the alert was received, immediate contact was established between the Bureau and the DFCA. Ashjan emphasized that while the DFCA holds the primary mandate for infant products, the Bureau of Standards is equally committed to ensuring consumer safety.

Ashjan acknowledged that S-26 infant formula, one of the products cited in international recall notices, is widely distributed and sold across South Sudan.

“The product which has been recalled on the list of Nestlé, one of them is S-26 infant formula, which is well known and widely sold in South Sudan,” she noted. “However, the company was referring to a certain batch. The information coming from the two institutions will determine whether to recall the product or take further action. Let us wait and see what the findings bring.”

The forthcoming joint communication is expected to clarify whether any specific batches currently on the South Sudanese market will be officially recalled or subjected to further regulatory measures.