More than 63,000 containers of A2 Milk Company's Platinum infant formula have been recalled in the United States after three batches were found to be contaminated with the bacterial toxin cereulide, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Saturday.
The recall affects the brand's Platinum Premium USA 0-12 months tins, sold in 31.7-ounce containers. The formula was distributed nationally via the company's website, Amazon, and Meijer stores, and was part of the Operation Fly Formula programme. The product is only sold in the US but was manufactured in New Zealand.
Cereulide can cause food poisoning symptoms in babies, including nausea and vomiting. The contamination was discovered during testing conducted under new guidance from New Zealand's food regulators. The FDA estimates that 16,428 of the recalled tins were sold to consumers.
Parents are advised to check batch numbers and stop using the affected formula immediately. Affected products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Babies who experience nausea, vomiting, or dehydration after consuming the formula should be seen by a paediatrician.
Cereulide contamination is rare in infant formula, but symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to six hours of ingestion and typically resolve within 24 hours. The toxin is heat-stable, meaning hot water cannot eliminate it. The recall follows a global baby formula recall by Nestlé earlier this year over similar cereulide concerns.
