Infant formula sold at Costco Wholesale locations across Canada is being recalled due to the potential presence of cereulide toxin, a substance produced by certain strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced on February 22, 2026.
The recall affects 1,049 gram packages of Kendamil brand infant formula with whole milk, identified by manufacturing codes 897274 and 888632, and a best before date of May 1, 2027. The affected batches were produced in May 2025.
Cereulide toxin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, within as little as 30 minutes of ingestion. The CFIA notes that cereulide is highly heat stable, meaning it is unlikely to be deactivated by boiling or other preparation methods typically used for infant formula. Younger infants are particularly vulnerable to complications from the toxin, such as dehydration.
The CFIA is advising consumers not to consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute the recalled products. Consumers are urged to discard the formula or return it to the Costco location where it was purchased.
According to the CFIA, the recall was triggered by a similar recall in another country. As of February 24, 2026, no illnesses have been reported in Canada related to the consumption of the recalled formula.
Kendal Nutricare, the U.K.-based manufacturer of Kendamil, stated that the toxin has recently been associated with arachidonic acid oil, a source of Omega 6. The company explained that a temporary disruption in their oil supply chain led them to use a different supplier for the two affected batches.
Even as the recalled batches meet European safety standards for cereulide levels, Health Canada maintains a more stringent standard, prompting the recall. Nestlé and Danone have recently issued recalls of their own baby formula products due to potential contamination with the same toxin, according to reports.
Consumers with health concerns related to potential exposure to the toxin are advised to contact their healthcare provider. The CFIA continues to investigate the source of the contamination and is monitoring the situation.
