It appears to be unique to this species and more cytotoxic than the cytotoxin K‐2 produced by other members of this group. Only a few isolates of this species have been characterized with regard to their cytotoxic effects, and the role of cytotoxin K‐1 as a causative agent of food poisoning remains largely unclear.

Bacillus cytotoxicus was initially isolated from a food‐borne outbreak, which led to three deaths, and the organism has since been linked to other outbreaks all involving plant‐based food matrices. Mainly linked to food products containing potato flakes or potato starch. Other studies, as well as food‐borne incidents reported to the UK Food Standards Agency, detected B. cytotoxicus in insect‐related products and in dried food products. Strains can persist over years in food production sites.