WELLINGTON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- A large New Zealand baby formula company said on Sunday it will refund parents whose babies become unwell after drinking formula manufactured by a temporary supplier.

    More than 70 parents in New Zealand reported symptoms in their babies including diarrhea and vomiting after drinking Nurture baby formulas, Radio New Zealand reported.

    Heinz, which owns the brand, said it temporarily switched suppliers for its Nurture Starter and Nurture Follow-On formulas, after its New Zealand-based supplier advised could no longer supply it.

    In a statement, Heinz said it arranged temporary supply from its sister company in Britain, and there were differences in the preparation process and minor differences in some ingredients.

    As an example, it said, the UK supplier used powdered whey, whereas frequently the old product was made using liquid whey.

    Heinz said it could not advertise the switch because of a World Health Organization advertising code, but that it did include a leaflet with cans to inform parents.

    The company said it was aware that infants can respond to the slightest change, but it believed most should adjust to the new formula within days. If they do not, parents should contact their health professional for advice.

    Food Safety Authority deputy chief executive Sandra Daly said the company does not have a legal obligation to inform the authority if it changes suppliers.

    However she said babies are so sensitive to changes in their food that it would have been extremely useful to have had good labeling.

    Daly said the Authority also would have expected to hear from the company if 70 children became ill.