a2 Milk Recalls US Baby Formula Batches After Toxin Detected
New Zealand dairy company pulls three batches of a2 Platinum Premium infant formula from US shelves
**AUCKLAND** — New Zealand dairy company a2 Milk has recalled three batches of its a2 Platinum Premium infant formula sold in the United States after testing detected cereulide, a toxin associated with foodborne illness that can cause nausea and vomiting.
The voluntary recall, initiated on 1 May 2026 (US time), affected 63,078 tins of the milk-based powder formula sold in 31.7-ounce cans across the US market, including through a2MC’s website, Amazon, and Meijer stores.
What happened
The recall followed additional testing of the product prompted by an industry update from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issued on 15 April 2026. The MPI guidance outlined new expectations for managing cereulide risks, applied retrospectively to New Zealand infant formula manufacturers.
The three affected batches and their use-by dates are:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert confirming the recall, stating it was initiated after cereulide was detected through additional testing conducted in response to the New Zealand regulatory guidance.
Company response
a2 Milk Company, headquartered in Auckland and listed on the ASX, confirmed it was working with US regulators and distributors to remove the affected product from shelves. The company said it had notified consumers who had purchased the recalled batches directly.
The recall is the first major product safety action for a2MC in the US infant formula market, which it entered through its “Operation Fly Formula” initiative to supply premium New Zealand-made formula to American parents.
Market impact
Shares in a2 Milk plunged following the announcement. The recall comes at a sensitive time for the company, which has been positioning its US infant formula business as a premium alternative in a market dominated by established American brands.
New Zealand’s food safety record has been a key marketing point for a2MC, and the company faces the challenge of managing consumer confidence while cooperating with regulators on both sides of the Tasman.
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*By Moana Kahui | Auckland | 13 May 2026*
