Kendamil Infant Formula Sold at Costco Under Nationwide Recall

A UK-based infant formula sold by Costco is being recalled across the country due to the potential presence of a toxin that can cause nausea and vomiting in infants, Canada’s food inspector says.

Two batches of Kendamil Costco Classic First Infant Formula are being recalled nationwide, according to a Feb. 22 advisory from Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The recall was issued by Kendal Nutricare Canada and applies to the 1,049 gram package size with serial numbers 897274 and 888632.

The British company said the recall is only relevant to Canadian customers of Costco Canada. “No other Canadian products are affected,” Kendal Nutricare said in a Feb. 22 press release.

The formula is the subject of a Class 2 recall due to the possible presence of cereulide toxins, the CFIA said. A Class 2 recall indicates a moderate risk that consuming the food may lead to short-term or non-life-threatening health problems.

No illnesses related to the consumption of the formula have been reported in Canada, the agency said, noting that its recall was initiated after a recall in another country.

Kendal Nutricare said Health Canada requested the “precautionary withdrawal of any potentially affected batches” that may have any detectable presence of the toxin, “irrespective of compliant product test results.”

The company noted that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) introduced updated strict safety guidance for trace cereulide levels in infant formula this month.

“This guidance is a safety level set by independent scientists and designed specifically for infants,” the company said. “The limits set fall well below any level at which short term stomach upset would be expected to occur.”

It said all Kendamil product test results meet the latest European guidance, but added that Health Canada’s approach is not based on defined product testing results or the EFSA’s new standards. 

The company said without “defined levels” set by Canada’s health authorities the recall was triggered “out of an abundance of care.” 

It added that the recalled formula represented an “extremely small share” of Kendamil products in Canada and the batches are no longer on shelves.

The CFIA said it is conducting a food safety investigation into the possible contamination, which may lead to the recall of other products. It is advising consumers to either throw out the product or return to the store where it was purchased for a refund.

Cereulide toxin is produced by some strains of Bacillus cereus, a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning, the agency said. It is “highly heat stable,” which means cooking or preparing the infant formula may not deactivate or destroy the toxin.

The CFIA said symptoms associated with the cereulide toxin start to appear “rapidly after ingestion” and can include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.