Nestle South Africa can no longer guarantee the quality and safety of their infant formula following the theft of a batch of these products from their factory in Harrismith, a spokesperson said on Monday.

"Due to the fact that these products have left Nestle's strict control, the company can no longer guarantee their quality and safety and is recommending they should not be consumed," spokesperson Ravi Pillay said.

He said Nestle was working closely with the South African Police Service in order to recover the products, which were Nan, Pelargon and Lactogen.

"Investigations have shown that these products are confined to Harrismith and surrounding areas. Some perpertrators have already been arrested.

Additional security measures

"We would like to appeal to the public to help us in removing these stolen products from the market.

"It is extremely unlikely that the stolen infant formula would be available for sale in mainstream retailers but would most probably be sold in the informal sector."

He said the stolen products represented only a small fraction of the total quantity of products made at the Harrismith factory and the theft was an isolated incident.

"In light of this, Nestle has put in place additional security measures to ensure that stock is protected and to prevent further recurrences of this nature.

"Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no further information can be provided on this issue for the time being," Pillay said.