Heavenly Spices brand garlic powder, sold across Canada, was the subject of a national recall starting Wednesday, July 15, due to the detection of possible contamination by the bacteria Bacillus cereus. This bacteria is known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which in rare situations can develop into more serious health complications.
Important details about product recall
- A garlic powder product has been removed from shelves across Canada due to a risk of contamination.
- Heavenly Spices garlic powder, identified by number RA-82337, may contain Bacillus cereus.
- The mentioned bacteria cause digestive symptoms, which can become serious in rare cases.
Jars of garlic powder, sold at several discount stores across Canada, were recalled after bacterial contamination was identified.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the recall of 70-gram containers of Heavenly Spices garlic powder, citing concerns about the possible presence of Bacillus cereus bacteria.
The agency issued a statement with a clear recommendation: “Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product.”
Other food recall incidents
Previously, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had requested the recall of peeled garlic, warning of “serious health consequences or death”, which represents the maximum warning level for food products.
Another case involved the recall of more than ten brands of cinnamon ahead of the holiday season due to the presence of potentially unsafe levels of lead.
The bacteria Bacillus cereus is recognized as causing food poisoning, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, generally lasting up to two days, according to information from the Cleveland Clinic.
This bacteria can be found in a variety of foods, including dairy products, fish, sauces, and starchy products such as rice, pasta, and potatoes.
Although uncommon, complications from Bacillus cereus infection can spread throughout the body, affecting different organs, if not treated properly.
According to the CFIA, jars of Heavenly Spices brand garlic powder were sold in Dollarama stores across Canada.
The affected products, sold both in physical outlets and online, carry the identification number RA-82337.
The CFIA categorized this recall as Class 2, which indicates a moderate risk situation where consumption of the food may cause short-term health problems, but is generally not life-threatening.
Consumers who purchased the garlic powder in question can contact Dollarama to request a $2.00 electronic gift card as a replacement, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the retailer.
