Loblaws issued a food recall linked to a salmonella outbreak with 22 hospitalizations

Loblaw Companies is pulling more products from its stores as part of an ongoing food recall in Canada linked to a major salmonella outbreak tied to dozens of illnesses across the country.

Health officials are warning customers to check their fridges and freezers, as the recalled treats were sold at grocery stores in Ontario between December 2024 and January 2025 under the Loblaw-owned banners of Loblaws, Your Independent Grocer, Fortinos, Valu-Mart and Zehrs.

It's the latest update in a growing salmonella outbreak that has already led to 69 reported illnesses and 22 hospitalizations across five provinces.

Loblaw is now recalling D. Effe T.-brand Lemon Delight and Tartlet with Forest Fruits after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) found potential contamination. These pastries, sold at the service case counter at stores across Ontario, are being removed from the market while officials continue their investigation.

The CFIA says that because the recalled pastries were often sold in smaller, unlabeled packages at service counters, customers may have trouble identifying them by brand or lot code. If you're unsure whether you've purchased the affected products, officials recommend contacting the store or simply throwing them out.

Loblaw is urging customers to "destroy or return" the affected products for a full refund. This recall follows an earlier one involving Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries, which are linked to the same outbreak. Many of the people who got sick had eaten the pastries at catered events or food establishments where the recalled products were served.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), food contaminated with salmonella might not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious illness. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and severe stomach cramps.

While most healthy people recover from a salmonella infection on their own, it can pose bigger risks to young children, pregnant people, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms usually start within 6 to 72 hours after exposure.

The CFIA says it's still investigating the outbreak and hasn't ruled out the possibility of more recalls. If you've purchased these products recently, it's best to play it safe and throw them out. More information can be found on Loblaw's website or by calling their customer service line.

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