The Department of Health last night warned people not to use a particular batch of Milumil Infant Formula, but said it was unlikely that any of the consignment remained on sale.
The Department said that a routine laboratory examination of a pack of Milumil Infant Formula in powder form had indicated the presence of salmonella. The pack was from a batch manufactured at the end of January 1997 and carried a best-before date of 29/1/99 or 30/1/99.
People have been advised, as a precautionary measure, not to use product from the affected batch, but to return packs to the outlets from where they were bought.
"While it is unlikely that there is any of this batch remaining on sale, the company is making arrangements to ensure that this is the case," the Department said in a statement.
The best-before dates are on the underside of the outer carton and on the side of the internal foil pack.
The Department said: "There is no suggestion that any other batch of Milumil or any other Milupa [the manufacturer] product is affected."
For the benefit of parents, the company is providing a freephone number, 1-800-221234, which will be available from 9 a.m. today.