The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of tens of thousands of infant formula cans produced by The a2 Milk Company (Colorado). The action follows the discovery of cereulide, a toxin that poses health risks to infants, within specific batches.
Risks associated with cereulide toxin Cereulide is a toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus. Notably, this toxin is heat-stable and remains active even when the formula is prepared with hot water.
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Clinical symptoms: Infants consuming contaminated formula may experience nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes to a few hours.
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Health impact: While gastrointestinal symptoms typically resolve within a day, infants are at a higher risk of severe complications, such as dehydration, which may necessitate urgent medical care.
Affected product details The recall involves a2 Platinum Premium USA infant formula (31.7-ounce tins) intended for infants aged 0-12 months. The affected batch details are as follows:
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Batch 2210269454: Expiry date July 15, 2026.
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Batch 2210324609: Expiry date January 21, 2027.
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Batch 2210321712: Expiry date January 15, 2027.
Identification codes are printed on the bottom of the cans. These products were originally imported under the “Operation Fly Formula” program to address supply shortages. While no illnesses have been confirmed to date, approximately 16,400 of the 63,000 recalled units are estimated to have reached consumers via Amazon, Meijer stores, and the company’s official website.
Consumer guidance Health authorities advise parents to stop using the recalled batches immediately. Consumers may discard the product or return it for a full refund. The FDA emphasized that this is an isolated incident and the general infant formula supply in the United States remains safe for consumption.