Three separate companies—The A2 Milk Company, Nestle, and Sanulac Nutritionals Australia—have initiated recalls of specific batches of infant formula in multiple countries due to the potential presence of the toxin cereulide. The recalls are precautionary, and no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with any of the products.
Overview of Recalls
The recalls stem from the potential contamination of ingredients with cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of the Bacillus cereus bacterium. The toxin can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, typically appearing 30 minutes to six hours after ingestion.
Infants are considered at greater risk of dehydration from these symptoms. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has stated that standard preparation methods, including boiling water or cooking, are unlikely to deactivate the toxin.
The A2 Milk Company (United States)
The A2 Milk Company recalled three batches of its A2 Platinum Premium infant formula (0-12 months) in the United States. The recall was initiated after the toxin was detected during additional testing required by New Zealand's food regulatory authority.
- Affected Batches:
- Batch 2210269454, use-by 15/07/2026
- Batch 2210324609, use-by 21/01/2027
- Batch 2210321712, use-by 15/01/2027
- Distribution: Over 16,428 units were sold through the company's website, Amazon, and Meijer stores. The product was not sold in other countries.
- Company Response: CEO David Bortolussi stated that safety and quality are the highest priority. The company confirmed that products sold in Australia, New Zealand, China, and other markets are not affected.
Nestle (Global)
Nestle initiated a global recall for specific batches of its baby formula products, including SMA, Guigoz, Nidal, Beba, and Alfamino brands. The recall impacts products sold in several European countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden.
- Root Cause: Nestle indicated the problem originated from an ingredient supplied by one of its vendors.
- Company Response: The recall was announced as a precautionary measure. Nestle confirmed that, as of the recall announcement, no confirmed reports of illness had been received. The company pledged to provide refunds for affected customers and stated that all other Nestle products and batches not included in the recall remain safe for consumption.
- Consumer Advice: Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, advised parents and caregivers not to feed infants the affected products. Individuals concerned about potential health impacts were advised to seek medical advice. Batch numbers for the recalled products in the UK are available on Nestle's UK website and through food.gov.uk.
Sanulac Nutritionals Australia (Australia)
Sanulac Nutritionals Australia Pty Ltd recalled specific batches of its Alula Gold Reflux infant formula (900g, 0-12 months) and Alula Colic & Constipation infant formula (850g, 0-12 months).
- Affected Batches:
- Alula Gold Reflux: Use-by date 17.03.2027, batch number 8000003387.
- Alula Colic & Constipation: Use-by date 17.03.2027, batch number 8000003407.
- Root Cause: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) stated the potential presence of the toxin is linked to an ingredient used in the Alula products, similar to an international recall involving specialist infant formula products.
- Distribution: The affected products were sold nationally at Coles, Woolworths, pharmacies, and online retailers including Amazon. The Alula Gold Reflux product was also available at independent retailers such as IGA, Big W, and Costco.
- Company Response: General Manager David Pattinson described the recall as a precautionary decision. The company confirmed no other Alula products or batches are affected, and no reports of associated illness have been made in Australia.
- Context: This recall follows a similar action taken by Nestle weeks prior, which recalled 400g tins of its Alfamino Infant Formula manufactured in Switzerland over similar contamination concerns.
General Consumer Advice
Consumers in possession of the recalled products are advised to stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Parents or carers concerned about an infant's health after potential consumption of a recalled product are advised to seek medical advice. FSANZ also noted that other formula products not affected by the recall are available, and parents can consult healthcare providers or pharmacists for alternatives.