Recall alert: Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama contains harmful bacteria
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a Class 2 recall for 70-gram containers with best-before date BB: 2029 JAN 30 due to traces of Bacillus cereus that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
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A garlic powder sold at Dollarama locations across Canada has been recalled due to bacterial contamination that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the recall for Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder in 70-gram shaker containers with universal product code 6 67888 50634 7 and best-before code BB: 2029 JAN 30 GP 30ZV PIT. The product contains traces of Bacillus cereus, a pathogen capable of producing toxins that cause food-borne illness.
Consumers are advised not to use, sell, serve, or distribute the spice and should discard it immediately. The recall is classified as Class 2, meaning there is a moderate risk that consuming the food may lead to short-term or non-life-threatening health problems.
According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, Bacillus cereus can produce two types of gastrointestinal illness depending on when toxins are produced. If toxins form before consumption, the emetic syndrome — characterized by vomiting — can begin between 30 minutes and five hours after eating, clearing within six to 24 hours. If toxins form after consumption, diarrheal syndrome typically starts eight to 16 hours after eating and subsides within 12 to 24 hours. Nausea and abdominal pain may also occur. It is unknown how many containers were sold or how many illnesses have been reported.
By the numbers
What is the best-before date on the recalled Heavenly Spices garlic powder?
The recalled Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder has a best-before date of January 30, 2029.
What size containers were recalled?
Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder was recalled in 70-gram shaker containers.
What bacterium contaminated the garlic powder?
Bacillus cereus, a pathogen capable of producing toxins that cause food-borne illness, was found in the recalled garlic powder.
What symptoms can Bacillus cereus cause?
Bacillus cereus can cause vomiting (starting 30 minutes to five hours after eating), diarrhea (typically starting eight to 16 hours after eating), nausea, and abdominal pain, depending on when toxins are produced.
