Attention, Canadian shoppers! There’s a wave of food recalls hitting stores this month, and it’s important to stay informed to keep your family safe. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced several alarming recalls, ranging from baked goods to fresh produce. Here’s everything you need to know about the recalled items and how to protect yourself.

1. Hazardous Apricot Kernels

First up, beware of Sareks brand bitter apricot kernels sold online. This product has been recalled due to dangerously high levels of amygdalin, a compound that can lead to acute cyanide poisoning when consumed in significant amounts. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include weakness, confusion, anxiety, headache, nausea, and potentially life-threatening effects such as seizures or cardiac arrest. Dispose of these kernels immediately or return them for a refund!

2. Chocolate with Potential Salmonella

In a troubling discovery, the 340g packages of Oasis Treasures brand Pistachio Dubai Chocolate are also under recall due to potential salmonella contamination. Salmonella can cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses and is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Affected products were sold in stores across Canada, excluding Quebec.

3. Bakery Products Contaminated with Metal

Manohar brand bakery items are being pulled from shelves in Alberta and British Columbia due to possible contamination with metal fragments. This affects multiple cookie varieties, including Jeera Cookies and Ajwain Cookies. The metal contamination is linked to Sifto brand Hy-Grade Salt used in these products, which has also been recalled.

4. Cucumbers at Risk of Salmonella

Multiple brands of cucumbers, including Pamela and SunFed, face recalls over potential salmonella contamination. These cucumbers were imported from Mexico and may have been sold in various provinces, including Alberta and British Columbia, between early October and late November. If you’ve purchased cucumbers recently, it’s wise to check your labels and confirm their provenance.

5. Bagel Recall Due to Contaminated Salt

A variety of bagels sold under different brands, such as Co-op and BigWay, has been recalled because they were produced using the recalled Sifto brand Hy-Grade Salt. Consumers across the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and other provinces should be cautious about bagels that may be impacted.

6. Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Chopped Kit

The Taylor Farms brand Sweet Kale Chopped Kit is also making headlines with a recall due to salmonella concerns. This particular kit has been distributed widely in Eastern Canada, including New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

7. Insect-Infested Rice Vermicelli

Finally, the Golden Swallow (Jin Yan) brand Dongguan Rice Vermicelli has been recalled due to contamination with insects. This product was sold in Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, and the CFIA has advised anyone who purchased it to refrain from using it.

8. Granola Bars with Quality Issues

Choco Max Granola brand Coated Chewy Bars (Chocolate Chip flavor) are among the latest to face scrutiny, although specific issues were not detailed in the recall notice.

Take Action!

When dealing with any of these recalls, your first step should be to check your pantry and fridge for the affected products. If you have any of the recalled items, discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Stay vigilant and always prioritize food safety to ensure your well-being and that of your loved ones! For ongoing updates, be sure to keep an eye on CFIA announcements and local store advisories. Your health matters—don't let unsafe food put it at risk.