Milk company error linked to vitamin deficiency in babies

The German maker of a kosher baby formula linked to three infant deaths in Israel acknowledged today that the product contained too little of a vitamin that is vital for babies’ development.

Humana Milchunion said tests showed that the soy-based milk substitute contained at least 10 times less than the advertised quantity of Vitamin B1.

It said that was a result of an error when Humana and Remedia, the Israeli partner for which it made the product, developed the formula for Remedia Super Soya 1 in February.

“We are talking here about a unique combination of unfortunate circumstances,” Humana board member Albert Grosse Frie said.

The Israeli Health Ministry recalled the product last week and said its own tests showed a lack of the vitamin. Remedia is partly owned by American food giant Heinz.

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamin, is vital for development of the nervous system in babies. Israeli Health Ministry officials say more than 20 infants suffered from a disorder caused by a deficiency in the vitamin after drinking the formula, and three have died.

Humana is in contact with judicial and other authorities and would “draw the necessary organisational and personnel conclusions,” Grosse Frie said.