Never again, says mum

Hayley Nieuwoudt, with 7-month-old Eric, says the mixed messages and misinformation have put her off Karicare. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Hayley Nieuwoudt will never use Karicare again - the mixed messages and misinformation from Fonterra and the Government have put her off the milk formula brand for good.

"They're playing with fire, with babies' lives and they're not being open about it," she said. "It's scary finding out that you could potentially be feeding your baby poison.

"You only want the best for them and obviously breast is best but for some of us it's not an ongoing option.

"If my boy ever got sick from this I would never forgive myself."

Mrs Nieuwoudt is just one of the many concerned parents who contacted the Herald yesterday after not knowing who to turn to.

As soon as the Ministry for Primary Industries said there was an issue with Karicare Stage 2, Mrs Nieuwoudt took her 7-month-old son, Eric, off it and swapped to Heinz Nurture.

"We probably won't buy Karicare ever again."

Amrita Sharma went to see her GP to ensure her baby was fine and to see if there was any way of telling if the little one was affected.

Another mother of a 14-month-old said she was angry - all she wanted was straightforward information.

"No one is making this easy for us parents who are concerned about our babies. Why can't the information just be clear and consistent?"

What products are safe?

* All infant formula products EXCEPT Karicare Stage 1 and Karicare Stage 2.
* Fresh dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.
* Frozen products such as icecream.
* Milk powder.

Getting advice

Healthline: 0800 611 116
Ministry for Primary Industries consumer helpline: 0800 693 721 or mpi.govt.nz
Plunketline: 0800 933 922
Nutricia customer careline: 0800 258 268.