Counterfeit infant formula contaminated with fungal toxin seized in 14 raids in Buenos Aires
The PFA seized more than 500 units of powdered milk adulterated with levels of Aflatoxin M1 six times above the legal limit. Five people were identified as participants in the distribution network.
Federal operation dismantles counterfeit infant formula network marketed in supermarkets
Officers from the Federal Investigation Department (DFI) of the Argentine Federal Police executed fourteen simultaneous raids as part of an investigation into the distribution of adulterated infant formula, according to a report by diarioeltiempo.com.ar. The procedures covered the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires districts of Ezeiza, Quilmes, San Vicente, Lanús, Cañuelas and Roque Pérez.
The operation, overseen by the National Security Ministry, originated from a complaint filed by the legal representative of the dairy company SANCOR. The filing was motivated by a series of reports from parents who claimed their children experienced adverse effects after consuming powdered milk of that brand purchased at various supermarkets.
Investigation led by the Lomas de Zamora Public Prosecutor's Office
The complaint was filed with the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office No. 2 of Lomas de Zamora, headed by Dr Cecilia Incardona, with the involvement of secretary Dr Florencia Soglio. Both immediately called on investigators from the General Directorate of Operational Coordination and Investigations, which is part of the Superintendence of Federal Investigation Agencies, who conducted the investigation.
The investigation established that the product being marketed was a counterfeit powdered infant formula. The complete criminal network was also identified: it included properties used as warehouses, physical sales points and online sales channels through digital platforms.
The Federal Court No. 2 of Lomas de Zamora, headed by Dr Juan Tomás Ponte Rodríguez, ordered the execution of the raids. Given the geographical scope of the operation, officers from the Federal Operational Units Divisions of Ezeiza and 25 de Mayo were incorporated.
More than 500 units seized; five people identified
As a result of the procedures, more than 500 units of uncontrolled manufacture milk, a vehicle, mobile phones, notebooks, cash and documentation of interest to the justice system were seized.
Additionally, five adults were identified: two Argentine nationals, two Chinese citizens and one Paraguayan national, all named as participants in the investigated illicit activities.
SENASA confirmed levels of Aflatoxin M1 six times above the legal limit
The expert report by SENASA, ordered by the prosecuting office, revealed that the illegitimate powdered milk contains levels of Aflatoxin M1—a toxin derived from fungi—that exceed more than six times the maximum limit permitted by the Argentine Food Code.
Specialists concluded that the product is unfit for consumption and represents a serious danger to the health of infants, who depend on this food as their primary source of nutrition and would be constantly exposed to a severe toxicological risk.
Typographical errors and physical differences expose the counterfeit
The expert examination also detected other irregularities compared to the genuine product. The containers showed differences in size and quality of the plastic spoon, as well as typographical errors on the packaging: "Adventencia" instead of "Advertencia" (warning) and "Olico" instead of "Oleico" (oleic). The seized containers bore the batch identification "L:Y010 F-011207563 ELAB 10/01/26 VTO: 10/01/27".
Charged under Law 22.362 for trademark infringement
The five identified individuals, together with all seized materials, were placed at the disposal of the justice system for violation of Law 22.362, which regulates trademarks and commercial designations in Argentina.
The Argentine Federal Police reminded the public that they can file complaints with the Federal Crime Complaints Division, available to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at Moreno 1550, ground floor, office 24, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Inquiries are also accepted by telephone at 4370-5876 and by email at [email protected].
Source: Google News AR — Crime