Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have recently issued several notifications about food recalls and warnings for foods sold in Canada, some of which involve products like chicken burgers, cookies, cakes and eggs.
The latest food recalls in Canada are due to undeclared allergens, E. coli, salmonella and other reasons, according to the CFIA, and they can cause serious health issues.
If you suspect you've fallen ill due to any foods involved in these recalls, the government advises getting in touch with a medical professional.
Here are the latest food items the government wants Canadians to be aware of.
Delizia brand Vegetarian Beef Ball
Delizia brand Vegetarian Beef Ball.
On February 22, a food recall warning was issued for Delizia brand Vegetarian Beef Ball because it contains wheat which is not declared on the label. The product was sold in Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Yukon.
"If you have celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders, do not consume the recalled product as it may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction," advises the recall.
Find out more details here.
Bành Pia brand Hopia Cake
Bành Pia brand Hopia Cake.
On February 21, a food recall warning was issued for Bành Pia brand Hopia Cake because it contains egg which is not declared on the label. The product was sold in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
The government advises that you check to see if you have recalled products and to not consume them if you are allergic or sensitive as they may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction.
"Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased," they say.
Find out more details here.
Mexican Style Street Corn Chopped (Salad) Kit
Mexican Style Street Corn Chopped (Salad) Kit.
On February 20, a food recall warning was issued for Taylor Farms brand Mexican Style Street Corn Chopped (Salad) Kit due to possible salmonella contamination. It was sold in New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I., Quebec and possibly other parts of the country.
"If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider," advises the government, sharing that contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled but could nonetheless make you fall ill.
"Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections," they say. "Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis."
Find out more details here.
Certain brands of eggs
Eggs.
On February 17, a food recall warning was issued for certain brands of eggs sold in Saskatchewan due to possible salmonella infection.
Here are the brands, products, sizes, UPCs and codes of the affected items:
- Compliments, Large Size Eggs, 12 Eggs, 0 55742 35750 9, 2024 MR14 S-21
- Harman, Medium Size Eggs, 12 Eggs, 0 63902 00202 2, 2024 MR28 S-21
- Star Egg, Extra Large Size Eggs, 15 dozen Eggs, None, 2024MR07 S-21
- Star Egg, Large Size Eggs, 60 Eggs, 0 63902 05030 6, 2024MR07; 2024MR14; 2024MR21; 2024AL04; 2024AL19
- Star Egg, Medium Size Eggs, 15 dozen Eggs, None, 2024MR21 S-21
- no name, Large Size - White Eggs, 30 Eggs, 0 60383 22293 2, 2024MR07; 2024MR14; 2024MR21; 2024AL04; 2024AL19
Find out more details here.
Flamingo brand Chicken Burgers Gluten Free and Olymel brand Chicken Popcorn
On February 16, a notification was issued for Flamingo brand Chicken Burgers Gluten Free and Olymel brand Chicken Popcorn which were recalled due to pieces of metal. The products were sold in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, P.E.I. and Quebec.
Here are the brands, products, sizes, UPCs and codes of the affected items:
- Flamingo, Chicken Burgers Gluten Free, 600 g, 39B 297 23, 0 65137 79001 9
- Olymel, Chicken Popcorn, Breaded Chicken Pieces Seasoned, Fully Cooked, 4 kg, Packed on: 2023-10-24, 0 65137 13014 3
Find out more details here.
Modhani brand Paneer
On February 15, a notification was issued for Modhani brand Paneer sold in Ontario due to generic E. coli.
The target audience for the product is hotels, restaurants and institutions and retail.
Find out more details here.
Red Tea Room brand Cookie.
Also on February 15, a food recall warning was issued for Red Tea Room brand Cookie because it contains peanut which is not declared on the label. It was sold in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.
Find out more details here.
Belazu brand Vegan Basil Pesto - Genovese Style
On February 13, a notification was issued for Belazu brand Vegan Basil Pesto - Genovese Style due to improperly declared pine nut.
Find out more details here.
Earlier in February, there were food recall warnings for frozen pizza, chicken and salad kits.
Some of the salad kits were recalled due to listeria in association with a deadly outbreak in the U.S. involving certain products manufactured by Rizo Lopez Foods.
"Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness," advises the government.
"Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. In severe cases of illness, people may die."
If you do become sick from food sold in Canada, you're not alone.
"The Government of Canada estimates that there are about 4 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada every year," says the feds, noting that some may not even know they have it. "Many foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following these safe food-handling practices: clean, separate, cook and chill."
To stay up to date on what Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Transport Canada are warning Canadians about, more information on recalls, advisories and safety alerts can be found on the government website.
Keep an eye on what you're buying, and stay safe!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.