A milk company has voluntarily recalled three batches of its infant formula due to the presence of a toxin produced by strains of a bacteria that can cause intestinal illness.
The a2 Milk Company is recalling more than 16,000 units of its a2 Platinum Premium USA infant formula tins due to cereulide being found in them, according to a notice issued Saturday by the Food & Drug Administration.
Here’s what to know.
What products have been recalled?
Three batches of a2 Platinum Premium USA infant formula, a milk-based powder formula with iron, have been voluntarily recalled by the Colorado-based a2 Milk Company.
The formula is for children 0 to 12 months and is sold in 31.7-ounce tins, per the FDA.
The affected batches have “Use by” dates of 7/15/2026, 1/21/2027 and 1/15/2027.
The recalled products have batch numbers of:
- 2210269454
- 2210324609
- 2210321712
Where were the products sold?
The affected infant formula was sold on a2 Milk Company’s website, Amazon and in Meijer stores.
An estimated 16,428 units of the affected formula were sold to consumers out of the total 63,078 units from the three batches, according to the FDA notice.
What is cereulide?
Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, according to the FDA. Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, per Mayo Clinic.
The toxin can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes to six hours of ingesting any food or drink contaminated with it, per the FDA. Infants’ developing immune systems put them at greater risk of dehydration and other medical complications.
Preparing the formula in hot water does not eliminate the toxin because cereulide is heat stable, according to the FDA.
Cereulide was found during product testing conducted to follow new guidance from New Zealand’s food regulatory authority, according to the notice. An ingredient in the formula was cited as a probable source of the toxin.
No confirmed illnesses have been reported, according to the FDA. Consumers should throw it out or return it to its place of purchase for a refund.
Consumers can contact a2MC at 1-844-422-6455, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. ET or through the company website.
