A Boulder-based infant formula maker is telling families to hit pause on certain cans of its product, after tests picked up a heat-stable toxin that does not go away with hot water. On Saturday, a2 Milk Company announced a voluntary recall of three batches of its a2 Platinum Premium infant formula. The 31.7-ounce tins should not be used while testing and investigations continue. So far, there are no confirmed illnesses tied to the product, but parents and caregivers are being urged to check their cans and follow recall instructions.
Product details and affected batches
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recall covers three 31.7-ounce tins with batch numbers 2210269454 (Use-By 7/15/2026), 2210324609 (Use-By 1/21/2027) and 2210321712 (Use-By 1/15/2027). The FDA notice states the product was distributed nationwide through the company’s website, Amazon and Meijer stores as part of Operation Fly Formula, and notes that importation rights for the formula expired on December 31, 2025. Regulators report that about 63,078 tins were produced across the three batches, with an estimated 16,428 sold to consumers.
What is cereulide and why it matters
The toxin involved, cereulide, is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus and is unusually heat-stable, so preparing formula with hot or even boiling water will not destroy it, the World Health Organization warns. Symptoms typically show up fast, within 30 minutes to six hours, and usually include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Infants are especially at risk because they can become dehydrated and develop electrolyte imbalances quickly. Global health agencies have treated recent detections as part of a wider multi-country event and are pushing for careful testing and traceability of ingredients.
How the recall happened
In a product advisory, the a2 Milk Company said it launched the recall after additional testing detected cereulide, following new guidance from New Zealand’s food regulator. The company says the probable source is an ingredient used in the formula. The advisory also notes that the product had already been discontinued in the United States and removed from sale before the recall kicked off. The company reports it is working with U.S. regulators as supplier traceback continues.
What parents should do now
Parents and caregivers are urged to flip the tin over, check the batch number on the bottom and stop using any cans that match the recalled lots. The FDA notice advises that affected formula should be returned for a full refund or safely discarded. If an infant develops vomiting, diarrhea or any signs of dehydration after consuming the formula, contact a health care provider immediately and report adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch system. Consumers with questions can call a2’s customer line at 1-844-422-6455 or use the company’s website for more guidance.
Where this fits into a wider problem
European and international agencies have already pulled multiple infant formula products after finding cereulide in an ingredient used by several manufacturers. In response, the European Food Safety Authority has issued rapid risk advice for infants to help decision-makers determine when products should be withdrawn from the market. Because cereulide is thermostable and can trigger symptoms quickly in babies, authorities describe these recalls as precautionary moves meant to head off avoidable harm. Public health officials continue to stress the importance of using safe alternatives and seeking prompt medical care for any infant with concerning symptoms.