To investigate the contamination levels and emetic gene analysis of Bacillus cereus in infant formula from 2012 to 2014 in Jiangxi Province.Methods 397 food samples were collected randomly from supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, the farmer′s markets, online stores, wholesale markets in 13 selected cities and countries of the province. The emetic genes of isolated strains were analyzed by propidium monoazide multiplex PCR and internal amplification control. Results The detection rate was 13.10% (52/397), and the contamination was the highest in 2013. Different locations had significant difference (P<0.05), while the different origins of the samples, circulation and infant formula for different ages had no statistical difference (P>0.05). 2 emetic bacillus cereus were detected in 52 positive samples and the rate was 3.85%. Conclusion The contamination for Bacillus cereus and emetic Bacillus cereus in infant formula in retail locations was a potential risk for infants. The supervision should be strengthened to prevent the foodborne diseases.