Vietnam orders recall checks for a2 infant formula batches over toxin risk

The Vietnam Food Administration (VFA) said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Saturday reported that The a2 Milk Company had voluntarily recalled three batches of its a2 Platinum Premium USA iron-fortified powdered formula for infants aged 0–12 months.

The recall was issued after the detection of cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus that can pose health risks to infants.

The affected products are 31.7-ounce (900 gram) cans distributed in the United States, with batch numbers 2210269454 (expiry July 15, 2026), 2210324609 (expiry January 21, 2027), and 2210321712 (expiry January 15, 2027).

Following the alert, the VFA instructed local health departments and food safety authorities to review product registrations and disclosures related to the formula.

Authorities were also told to work with companies that have declared or distributed the products to notify retailers and consumers to stop using them and to carry out recalls in line with the manufacturer’s guidance.

Businesses must report the quantities imported, sold, and remaining in stock, along with plans for handling the recalled batches, the agency said.

Regulators have been told to ramp up sampling and monitoring of infant formula and nutritional products currently on the market, and to quickly issue recalls and public warnings if any unsafe items are found.

The agency also called for increased public communication to ensure consumers avoid the affected batches, with results of the response to be reported by May 18.

Separately, the VFA asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s e-commerce unit to strengthen oversight of online sales, including removing listings and halting distribution of recalled products if found on digital platforms.