To investigate the distribution of virulence associate factors and antibiotic susceptibility of foodborne Bacillus cereus in China. Methods Ten virulence genes were screened by PCR technology, antibiotic susceptibility was determined in Broth Microdilution Susceptibility Testing. Results Hemolysin BL, enterotoxin T and cytotoxin K genes were the common genes. 87.4% of the strains carryed at least one virulence gene. Bacillus cereus was sensitive to gentamicin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and clindamycin while resistant to ampicillin and cefotaxime. Conclusion Foodborne Bacillus cereus in China has strong pathogenicity, posing a potential food safety and public health threat. Ampicillin and cefotaxime had lower sensitivity which should not be used for empirical treatment and prevention.