By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supervised the destruction of recalled batches of NAN OPTIPRO and NANKID OPTIPRO milk products to ensure they will no longer reenter the market.
The FDA, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, said the activity was conducted through its Food Product Recall Committee as the final phase of the recall process aimed at guaranteeing proper disposal of affected products.
Its officials, including its spokesperson, the Center Director for Food Regulation and Research and inspectors from the South Luzon Cluster, were present during the on-site witnessing measure on Monday.
The agency said the destruction followed a full protocol, starting with the tagging and verification of recovered products, cutting open of units, and subsequent mixing or adulteration to render the items unusable.
“All steps were carried out under the supervision of FDA representatives to ensure strict compliance with regulatory procedures and safeguards,” it said.
The FDA noted that the process is designed to permanently remove recalled products from the supply chain, thereby protecting consumers and preserving market integrity.
It added that as part of the environmental commitment of Nestlé Philippines, the adulterated materials will undergo co-processing in cement facilities of Holcim Philippines, where these are used in high-temperature industrial operations to ensure safe and environmentally sound disposal.
The recall of selected milk product batches was conducted voluntarily as a precautionary measure, in line with strict biosafety and quality standards to address any potential risks to public health.
The FDA said it will continue to exercise vigilant oversight to ensure all recall procedures are implemented in accordance with existing regulations.
The specific facility, city, or plant where the on-site destruction transpired was not identified in the agency’s post. (PNA)
