Two batches of Kendamil infant formula sold through Costco Canada have been recalled after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identified a potential concern involving cereulide, a toxin that can cause sudden vomiting. The precautionary recall applies only to specific one-kilogram tins of Kendamil “with whole milk” produced in May 2025, and officials say no illnesses have been reported in Canada.
The affected products were available at Costco warehouses and through Costco’s online store. Health authorities are advising parents and caregivers to check the batch number printed on the base of the container before using the formula.
Which Kendamil Formula Batches Are Included?
The recall is limited to lot numbers 897274 and 888632. These numbers appear on the bottom of the one-kilogram tins. No other Kendamil infant formula products or production batches are part of the current recall.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the action was taken after information emerged from a related international recall. Canadian regulators requested that the identified batches be removed from sale while safety requirements under Canadian regulations are reviewed.
Why Cereulide Is Being Taken Seriously
Cereulide is a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus. One of its most important characteristics is that it can remain stable even when exposed to heat, meaning normal formula preparation does not eliminate it.
Exposure is most commonly linked to rapid nausea and vomiting. Because infant formula is consumed by babies, Canadian regulators apply particularly strict safety standards whenever there is a potential contamination concern, even if no illnesses have been identified.
What Kendamil Says About the Recall
Kendal Nutricare, the manufacturer of Kendamil, said the issue relates to arachidonic acid oil, an ingredient used to provide Omega-6 in infant formula. The company explained that a temporary supply interruption led it to source the ingredient from an alternative supplier for two production batches that were shipped to Costco Canada.
The manufacturer said laboratory testing found the products met European guidance levels for cereulide. However, it noted that Health Canada follows different regulatory limits, leading to the precautionary recall in the Canadian market.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do
Anyone who purchased Kendamil infant formula from Costco Canada should compare the lot number on the tin with the recalled batches. If the product matches either affected lot, it should not be used.
Consumers can return the recalled formula to Costco under the retailer’s standard recall process. Parents who believe an infant has experienced unexpected vomiting or other concerning symptoms after consuming the recalled product should seek medical advice.
Why the Recall Was Issued Before Any Reported Illnesses
Food recalls are not always triggered by confirmed injuries or illnesses. In many cases, regulators remove products from the market as soon as a potential risk is identified to reduce the chance of exposure.
That approach is especially common for products intended for infants, where health authorities generally act before evidence of illness appears rather than waiting for reported cases.
How Different Safety Standards Can Affect Global Products
Infant formula manufacturers often sell the same brand in multiple countries, but regulatory requirements can differ between jurisdictions. Ingredients that satisfy one country’s guidance may still require additional review elsewhere if local safety thresholds are more restrictive.
The current recall highlights how those differences can influence product availability even when manufacturers report compliance with another region’s standards.
Recall Status Remains Limited
At this stage, the CFIA says the recall applies only to the two identified batches manufactured in May 2025. Officials continue to monitor the situation, and no expansion of the recall has been announced.
Families following product recalls involving infant nutrition may also find it helpful to review updates on other recent consumer product safety recalls affecting households.
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