A popular brand of garlic powder has been recalled due to a possible risk of bacterial contamination. As reported by People, the bacteria present in the powder could cause unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.
Videos by Wide Open Country
What Products Are Affected?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency released a product recall detailing the specific products that are affected.
The garlic powder with the specific bacterial contamination is Heavenly Spices brand garlic powder. The products were sold in 70g containers throughout Canada, more specifically in Dollarama stores and on online marketplaces.
The agency released some information about the specific batch codes and use-by dates of the garlic powder. They are as follows:
- BRAND
- Heavenly Spices
- PRODUCT
- Garlic powder
- SIZE
- 70 g
- UPC
- 6 67888 50634 7
- CODES
- BB: 2029 JAN 30 GP 30ZV PIT
They also specified exactly what people should do if they have the garlic powder with the affected batch codes or use-by dates.
Their recall notice says, "Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product."
Further, Dollarama has released a statement to CTV News. "Customers can also contact Dollarama Customer Service directly for a $2.00 egift card as a replacement", the store explained.
What Bacterial Contamination Does the Garlic Powder Have?
The Canadian agency explained that the specific bacterial contamination comes from Bacillus cereus.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that, if ingested, can cause food poisoning. It is most commonly associated with "improperly cooked or stored rice, meats, [and] sauces", but it can also be found in other foods.
Anyone who has had food poisoning knows its affects - "vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains". However, if someone is immunocompromised, they can have more severe complications if an infection from Bacillus cereus arises.
The clinic notes that "it's also possible to get an infection in other parts of your body... B. cereus infections are rare and are more likely to happen if you have a weakened immune systems."
To date, it doesn't look like the contamination has caused any hospitalizations - however, food poisoning isn't uncommon, so it's hard to map just how many people might have had stomach troubles because of the affected garlic powder.
