The A2 Milk Company has recalled select batches of its Platinum Premium infant formula in the US, after detecting the presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus.
The recall covers three batches of its 0–12 months milk-based powder formula sold nationwide via the company’s website, on Amazon, and at Meijer stores.
According to A2 Milk, cereulide is heat-stable and cannot be eliminated by preparing formula with hot water. The likely source of contamination has been linked to an ingredient used in the product.
Symptoms of exposure typically appear within 30 minutes to six hours and may include nausea and vomiting. Infants are flagged as more vulnerable and may face additional complications such as dehydration.
The company said the recall immediately commenced after the toxin was detected during additional testing, conducted in response to updated guidance from New Zealand’s food regulator.
A total of 63,078 units were included in the affected batches; however, just 16,428 units were sold to consumers, who have been advised to stop consumption of the affected product immediately and either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.
No confirmed cases of illness or harm have been reported.
The company’s shareprice fell by about 13 per cent on both sides of the Tasman after the recall was announced.
- Further reading: A2 Milk wins copycat case in Australia court.
