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Key Points
Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a Class 2 recall on July 15 for Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder sold at Dollarama stores due to potential Bacillus cereus bacterial contamination.The bacterium can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and watery diarrhea lasting 24-48 hours, though most people recover without treatment without serious complications.The recall is limited to Canada, and there have been no reports that the product was distributed in the United States or elsewhere.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a recall on July 15 for Heavenly Spices brand Garlic Powder, sold in Dollarama stores, over concerns the product may be contaminated with bacteria.
Here’s what you need to know, and what to do if you have this garlic powder in your spice rack right now.
What is being recalled?
According to the CFIA, this recall is specifically for Heavenly Spices’s Garlic Powder, which was sold in 70-gram containers. The containers have the UPC 6 67888 50634 7 and the code “BB: 2029 JAN 30 GP 30ZV PIT” (its best-by date) printed on the package. The CFIA also classified the recall as a Class 2 recall, meaning there’s a moderate risk that consuming it could cause short-term or non-life-threatening health effects.
Why is this garlic powder being recalled?
The reason for the recall, CFIA explained, is due to concerns that the powder is contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a bacterium the Cleveland Clinic says can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and watery diarrhea, with symptoms typically lasting 24 to 48 hours.
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Typically, the Cleveland Clinic added, the bacterium turns up in improperly stored cooked foods like rice, meat, and gravies, making its potential presence in the spice a bit notable. However, the BC Centre for Disease Control noted the bacterium is widespread in soil and the broader environment, and that most people recover without treatment. However, a small percentage of cases can be more serious, so anyone with prolonged or severe symptoms should contact their medical provider.
Where was this garlic powder sold?
The garlic powder was distributed nationally across Canada, both in physical Dollarama stores and online, according to the CFIA notice. The agency did not specify a start date for when the affected garlic powder hit shelves, so anyone with Heavenly Spices garlic powder in their pantry should check the packaging regardless of when it was purchased.
The recall is limited to Canada so far, and there have been no reports that it was distributed in the United States or elsewhere. However, consumers who purchased the garlic powder while visiting Canada or through Dollarama’s website should check their cabinets.
What should I do if I have this garlic powder?
The CFIA stated that customers with this spice should not “use, sell, serve, or distribute” it. A Dollarama spokesperson told CTV News that customers should discard the garlic powder rather than try to cook it at a temperature high enough to kill off the bacteria. Those who did buy the spice can contact Dollarama Customer Service directly to receive a $2 e-gift card as a replacement, and anyone with questions about the recall itself can reach the CFIA’s public inquiries line at 1-613-773-2342.
Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist with two decades of newsroom experience. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Food & Wine, Glamour, Men’s Health, Afar, and many more. Stacey also served as an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Southern California teaching feature writing and visual journalism. She is also a Ph.D. Candidate with a specialty in building resiliency to misinformation.
Dining and Cooking