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The New Year is here, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is back with another round of product recalls affecting Quebec residents.
This latest wave of food recalls in Quebec affects everything from bread and baked goods to Himalayan salt, cheese and even chocolate.
From the risk of E. coli contamination and cyanide poisoning to plastic pieces and undeclared allergens, these recalls showcase highlight issues you’ll definitely want to know about. The CFIA is urging Canadians to check their products carefully and take swift action to avoid potential health risks.
Here’s a detailed look at all the latest food recalls in Quebec, the reasons behind them and the steps you should take to stay safe.
President’s Choice salts
President’s Choice Himalayan Pink Rock Salts, 390 g.
Loblaws
Recalled products:
- President’s Choice Mediterranean Sea Salts, 360 g — all best-before dates up to and including January 17, 2026
- President’s Choice Himalayan Pink Rock Salts, 390 g — all best-before dates up to and including January 17, 2026
Recall reason: Loblaw Companies Limited is recalling President’s Choice Mediterranean Sea Salts and Himalayan Pink Rock Salts due to contamination with pieces of plastic. These products, distributed nationally, were flagged just weeks after a similar recall for President’s Choice Tellicherry Black Peppercorns was issued nationally, also for plastic contamination. If you have these salts, don’t use, sell or serve them. Check your pantry and discard or return any affected items to stay safe!
Last updated: January 2, 2025
President’s Choice recall notice
Fromagerie des Grondines cheeses
Recalled products:
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Festin Soft Cheese”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Tomme des galets raw sheep goat milk semi soft”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Raclé”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Clos des roches raw milk firm paste”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Foin-de-grèves”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Grondines”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Le Grand 2”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “Tomme de la chevrotière raw goat milk semi soft cheese”
- Fromagerie des Grondines “D’eschambault”
Recall reason: Aux Terroirs is recalling several Fromagerie des Grondines cheeses that were sold up to and including December 5, 2024, due to contamination with generic E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. An initial recall issued on December 23 mentioned only the company’s Festin Soft Cheese distributed in Alberta and Quebec, but a follow-up expanded the recall to include eight additional cheeses sold across most provinces and territories. While the E. coli strain is non-pathogenic, both contaminants can pose health risks. If you’ve purchased these cheeses, check the CFIA notice for details and dispose of any affected products to avoid potential illness.
Last updated: December 27, 2024
Fromagerie des Grondines recall notice
Sweet Fix chocolate bars
Sweet Fix “Lotus – Lait” (Chocolate Bar), 140 g.
Sweet Fix
Recalled products:
- Sweet Fix “Lotus – Lait” (Chocolate Bar), 140 g
- Sweet Fix “Pistache – Lait” (Chocolate Bar), 145 g
- Sweet Fix “Pistache – Noir” (Chocolate Bar), 145 g
Recall reason: Sweet Fix Mtl is recalling various chocolate bars due to undeclared allergens, including wheat, sesame seeds and milk. These bars, sold in Quebec and online, could pose serious risks to those with allergies or intolerances. The recall applies to any of the above bars where wheat, milk and/or sesame are not declared on the label. If you have an allergy to any of these ingredients, steer clear of these bars.
Last updated: December 27, 2024
Sweet Fix recall notice
8 Cakes Pistachio Knafeh
8 Cakes Pistachio Knafeh chocolate bar.
8 Cakes
Recalled product: 8 Cakes Pistachio Knafeh — all codes where wheat is not properly declared on the label
Recall reason: 8 Cakes Bake Shoppe Ltd. is recalling its Pistachio Knafeh due to undeclared wheat, which poses a risk to people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance. The recall affects products sold online and distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and possibly other areas. If you’ve purchased this dessert, don’t eat it — return it to the retailer or throw it out.
Last updated: December 27, 2024
Pistachio Knafeh recall notice
El Balad chickpeas
Recalled product: El Balad Chickpeas, 300 g — best before August 1, 2025
Recall reason: Les Aliments Amelya Impex Inc. is recalling its El Balad brand chickpeas due to container integrity defects, which have led to spoilage concerns. These products were sold in Ontario and Quebec. The CFIA notes that while the spoilage isn’t harmful, it compromises the product’s quality. If you have these chickpeas, avoid using them and dispose of them or return them to the store you got them from.
Last updated: December 20, 2024
Chickpea recall notice
Sareks Bitter Apricot Kernels
Recalled product: Sareks Bitter Apricot Kernels, 1 lb — best before October 12, 2025
Recall reason: Sareks brand Bitter Apricot Kernels, sold online in Canada, are being recalled due to high levels of natural toxin amygdalin, which can release cyanide when consumed. Consuming large amounts of amygdalin may cause acute cyanide poisoning, with symptoms like weakness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and even cardiac arrest and death.
The recall was prompted by CFIA test results, and one illness has already been reported. If you have this product, stop consuming it immediately and throw it out or return it to the place of purchase. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms after eating it.
Last updated: December 11, 2024
Sareks recall notice
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