RIYADH, 27 November 2002 — Saudi Arabian Drug Store, the sole distributor for Wyeth Nutrition Co. in the Kingdom, has clarified that it is importing the company’s baby milk powder from Askeaton in Ireland and not the United States.
Referring to the Commerce Ministry’s recent ban on powdered milk on the ground that its consumption is harmful to babies, Dr. Baher Massoud, regional director of Wyeth Nutrition Co. in Saudi Arabia, said “the company would like to assure that the products available in Saudi Arabia are not subject to the US recall and are suitable for sale and consumption in Saudi Arabia.
According to him, Wyeth called for a voluntary recall in the US of selected brands manufactured in the Georgia, Vermont facility, between July 12 and Sept. 25 this year. “These products are US store-brands with distribution limited to the US. At no time were any of these products imported into Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries.”
The executive said Saudi Arabian Drug Store and Wyeth have more than 40 years of relationship in the distribution of baby milk powder-S-26 infant formula, Profil formula for ages six months to one year, and Progress formula for ages one to four years.
“In addition to complying with the regulatory standards of Saudi Arabia, products from this facility also meet the nutritional and hygienic standards of the prestigious Codex Alimentarius, a global standard under the World Health Organization,” Massoud said.
He added that the products “comply with all Saudi and global standards and specifications and are safe for sale and consumption.” —
