a2 Milk Company Recalls Three Batches of Infant Formula Over Toxin Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration announced on Saturday that the a2 Milk Company has voluntarily recalled three batches of its a2 Platinum Premium USA infant formula after tests detected cereulide, a toxin linked to potential intestinal illness. The recall involves more than 16,000 units sold to consumers.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the product. The Colorado-based company initiated the recall following product testing conducted under new guidance from New Zealand's food regulatory authority. An ingredient in the formula was identified as the probable source of the contamination.

The recalled items are milk-based powder formula with iron, intended for infants from 0 to 12 months. They are sold in 31.7-ounce tins with 'Use by' dates of July 15, 2026, January 21, 2027, and January 15, 2027. The specific batch numbers are 2210269454, 2210324609, and 2210321712.

These products were distributed through the company's website, Amazon, and Meijer stores. Out of 63,078 units produced in the affected batches, an estimated 16,428 were sold to consumers, according to the FDA notice.

Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes to six hours. Infants are at higher risk due to their developing immune systems, potentially facing dehydration or other complications.

Preparing the formula in hot water does not eliminate the toxin. The FDA stated that the toxin was discovered during routine testing.