Authorities released the information on the afternoon of 21/5, following a recall by the a2 Milk Company in the US of three batches of iron-fortified infant formula for children aged 0-12 months. These products, sold in tin cans in the US market, include batch codes 2210269454 (expiration date 15/7/2026), 2210324609 (expiration date 21/1/2027), and 2210321712 (expiration date 15/1/2027). The manufacturer initiated the recall after detecting cereulide, a heat-stable toxin produced by the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause severe harm to infants.
In Vietnam, Song Lanh Business Solutions and Service Trading Company Limited distributes a number of a2 brand products. The Food Safety Authority (FSA) has not yet identified any businesses importing or selling the milk batches recalled in the US. Song Lanh also stated that it has reviewed all import records, warehouse data, and distribution systems, confirming that it has not imported or circulated the three recalled product batches.
According to a representative from Song Lanh, the a2 products currently sold in Vietnam are manufactured for the Australia and New Zealand markets, differing from the products subject to the warning in the US. These items are legitimately imported, with complete legal documentation and traceability.
Following the warning from the US, Song Lanh sent 8 samples of infant formula circulating in Vietnam to the National Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene Testing. The results showed no detection of Bacillus cereus bacteria or cereulide toxin in the tested samples.
The Food Safety Authority requested local authorities to continue reviewing product announcements, conducting market inspections, and monitoring online business activities to ensure consumer safety, especially for infants and young children.
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a2 Platinum Premium infant formula for children aged 0-12 months recalled in the US market. _Photo: FDA_ |
Previously, the a2 Milk Company in the US noted that an ingredient in the formula might have carried bacteria and produced toxins. Regarding this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) previously identified arachidonic acid (ARA) oil - a common ingredient in infant formula - as a primary source of contamination that caused several multinational food safety crises in the past.
The cereulide toxin is highly heat-resistant, meaning hot water used to prepare formula cannot destroy it. Infants who consume milk containing cereulide typically experience nausea and vomiting within 30 minutes to 6 hours. While symptoms may subside naturally after 24 hours, the risk of severe dehydration is high, requiring parents to seek immediate medical intervention for their child.
To date, the manufacturer has not recorded any cases of children experiencing health issues related to these milk batches.
Le Nga
