Dollarama has initiated a nationwide recall of its Heavenly Spices brand garlic powder across Canada following a warning from federal health regulators regarding potential bacterial contamination. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced the recall after identifying a risk of Bacillus cereus contamination, a bacterium known to cause foodborne illness.
The recall, officially issued on July 15, 2026, applies to 70-gram packages of Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder sold both in physical Dollarama stores and online. The affected products feature the UPC code 6 67888 50634 7 and the best-before date code “2029 JAN 30 GP 30ZV PIT” under the recall identification number RA-82337.
The CFIA has classified the incident as a Class 2 food recall. This designation indicates that exposure to the contaminated product poses a moderate, short-term, or non-life-threatening health risk. Consumers and retailers have been instructed not to use, sell, serve, or distribute the recalled garlic powder.
According to medical experts at the Cleveland Clinic, Bacillus cereus is widely found in the environment and can contaminate various foods such as rice, meats, sauces, and dairy products. Symptoms of food poisoning from this bacterium typically include acute vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, which generally resolve within 24 to 48 hours without medical intervention. However, in rare and untreated cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, potentially infecting the eyes, lungs, skin, and central nervous system.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has urged anyone who suspects they may have become ill from consuming the product to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Food contaminated with Bacillus cereus may not look or smell spoiled, making laboratory detection and prompt regulatory warnings critical for public safety.
A Dollarama spokesperson confirmed to CTV News that customers who purchased the recalled garlic powder are eligible for a $2.00 e-gift card as a replacement. Affected consumers are advised to discard the product or contact Dollarama L.P. and the CFIA for further guidance on safety and compensation.