What Happened
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a recall of Kendamil brand infant formula sold at Costco due to potential contamination with cereulide toxin, which can lead to food poisoning. The affected product is a one-kilogram container labeled “with whole milk.” The recall was initiated following reports of similar issues in another country, although no illnesses have been reported in Canada.
Why It Matters
Cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus, is highly heat-stable, meaning it is not destroyed by cooking or preparation methods typically used for infant formula. Symptoms of ingestion can include nausea and vomiting. Health Canada has advised consumers to refrain from using, selling, or distributing the affected product, emphasizing the importance of food safety for infants.
What’s Next
Kendal Nutricare, the European-based company behind the Kendamil brand, stated that the toxin was linked to a temporary supply disruption that led to the use of a different oil source in two batches of the formula produced in May 2025. Consumers are urged to check for product codes 897274 and 888632 on the base of the tin, and the UPC for the recalled product is 8 50045 23826 1, with a best before date of May 1, 2027. The company maintains that these batches still meet European safety standards.
