SINGAPORE — A batch of milk powder by French company Danone's Dumex has been recalled by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) after traces of bacteria harmful to infants were found in product samples.

The affected batch of Dumex Mamil Gold Infant Milk Formula - Step 1 (850g), which carries the batch number 09117R1 and expires Sept 11, 2019, originated from Malaysia and was contaminated with the Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria.

In a statement released early Tuesday (Aug 21) morning, Dumex confirmed that the affected batch has been "completely removed" from store shelves. The company said it has been working with AVA and have taken "immediate precautionary steps to retrieve the specific batch from the shelves".

"We are currently investigating this issue on a high priority basis," the statement added.

While Cronobacter infections are generally rare, they can be fatal to newborns as they may cause meningitis or sepsis, said the AVA on Monday, and advised consumers who have purchased the affected product to stop consumption.

"Examples of symptoms displayed by infants with Cronobacter infection include fever, poor feeding or lethargy," the agency added.

"As such symptoms are not specific to the bacteria, parents or caregivers should seek medical assistance should their infants feel unwell."

AVA did not elaborate when the bacteria was detected, or how many of the affected products were recalled.

According to Dumex, there has not been any customer feedback on this issue to date. "We have in place stringent processes and conduct rigorous tests that are of international standards. This includes conducting tests before the product is shipped out of the factory to Singapore," it said. 

Nevertheless, the statement added that customers who have purchased the affected batch are advised not to consume it.

Consumers may contact Dumex at their hotline 1800 265 3188 for refunds.