Garlic powder recalled over bacterial contamination concerns
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores over concerns it may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus. (Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
A popular garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores across Canada is being recalled due to potential microbial contamination, health officials announced this week.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the recall Wednesday for Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores nationwide.
The product is being recalled because it may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product," the CFIA said in its recall notice.
The agency classified the recall as a Class 2 event, meaning there is a moderate risk that consuming the product could cause short-term or non-life-threatening health effects.
A Dollarama spokesperson told CTVNews.ca on Friday that customers who purchased the product should throw it away.
"Customers can also contact Dollarama Customer Service directly for a $2.00 e-gift card as a replacement," the spokesperson said.
The recalled garlic powder was sold in 70-gram containers in stores and online.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at Dollarama stores nationwide due to potential bacterial contamination. (Andrej Ivanov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
According to the FDA, symptoms of Bacillus cereus infection typically last between 24 and 48 hours. The bacterium is commonly found in meat, stews, gravies, vanilla sauce, and cooked rice that has been improperly refrigerated or left at room temperature.
The garlic powder is the latest food product to be pulled from store shelves.
Earlier this week, the FDA announced that General Mills was recalling more than 735,000 packages of Pillsbury bread products over concerns they may contain glass.
Bloomberg News also reported that fresh produce supplier Taylor Farms is preparing a recall tied to ingredients linked to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak, though the company has said its branded salad products are not associated with the illnesses.