Dollarama is recalling Heavenly Spices garlic powder sold at its stores across Canada due to possible microbial contamination [1, 3].
The recall is critical because the contamination involves Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause food-borne illness in consumers [1, 2].
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identified the risk and said that the seasoning should not be used, sold, or served [1]. While one report attributed the recall to the FDA [2], the CFIA is the primary regulatory body overseeing food safety for products sold within Canada [1, 3].
Bacillus cereus is a pathogen that can produce toxins that cause vomiting or diarrhea. The retailer is working to remove the affected product from shelves to prevent public health incidents — a standard procedure when microbial risks are detected in dried spices [1, 2].
Customers who have purchased Heavenly Spices garlic powder from Dollarama locations are advised to dispose of the product or return it to the store [1, 3]. The company has not reported any illnesses linked to the product as of this week [1].
Dollarama continues to coordinate with food safety officials to ensure all contaminated batches are accounted for [1, 3]. This action follows the CFIA's mandate to protect the Canadian food supply from biological hazards [1].
“The seasoning should not be used, sold, or served due to possible contamination.”
This recall highlights the vulnerabilities in the global spice supply chain, where dried products can harbor spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus cereus. Because these bacteria are resilient to heat and drying, rigorous testing by agencies like the CFIA is the primary line of defense against food-borne outbreaks in discount retail environments.
