Food Recalls in Canada

Food recalls in Canada typically happen when a product may pose a health risk. Common reasons include undeclared allergens (like peanuts, milk, or eggs not listed on the label), contamination with bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria, incorrect labelling, or foreign objects in food. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) works with food companies to issue public warnings when a safety issue is found. Learn more about allergen recalls →

An 'undeclared allergen' means a food contains an ingredient that can cause allergic reactions but is not listed on the label. In Canada, the most common undeclared allergens are milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish. This is dangerous for people with food allergies because they may not know the allergen is present. Undeclared allergens explained →

Check the product name, brand, size, and best-before date against the details in the recall notice. You can also look for lot codes or UPC numbers on the packaging. The recall notice will list exactly which products are affected. If you're unsure, contact the store where you bought it or the company listed in the recall. How to check for recalls →

Do not eat the recalled product. You can return it to the store where you bought it for a refund, or throw it away safely. If you have already eaten the product and feel unwell, contact a healthcare professional. Keep the packaging if possible, as it contains lot codes and other information that may be helpful. Returning recalled products →

If you ate a recalled product but feel fine, monitor yourself for symptoms mentioned in the recall notice. For bacterial contamination like Salmonella or Listeria, symptoms can take hours to weeks to appear. If you feel unwell or have concerns, contact your doctor or call 811 (Healthlink in most provinces). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms. What to do when a product is recalled →

Food recall notices in Canada come from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is the federal agency responsible for food safety. Companies are legally required to report safety issues, and CFIA publishes public warnings to alert Canadians. Provincial health authorities may also issue local alerts.

Food recalls in Canada can be either national or regional, depending on where the product was sold. A recall notice will specify which provinces and territories are affected. National recalls apply across Canada, while regional recalls only affect specific areas. Always check the distribution section of a recall notice to see if your province is listed.

You can sign up for email alerts to receive notifications when new food recalls are announced. This is especially useful for families with food allergies who need to stay informed about undeclared allergen recalls. How to get recall alerts →