FDA Issues Nationwide Recall of Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder—Check Your Pantry Immediately

Canadian shoppers are being urged to scour their pantries after Dollarama pulled Heavenly Spices brand Garlic Powder from store shelves nationwide because of possible Bacillus cereus contamination, a bacterium that can trigger vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps within hours of ingestion. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the recall covers 70-gram plastic pouches labeled “Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder,” lot code 091224, UPC 60279 60568. All best-before dates are affected, and the seasoning was distributed across Canada through Dollarama’s roughly 1,500 discount stores as well as its e-commerce site. No illnesses had been reported at the time of the announcement, but CFIA warns that food contaminated with Bacillus cereus may not look or smell spoiled. Consumers should throw the product away or return it to the point of purchase for a refund; restaurants and retailers are instructed to pull the spice from inventory immediately. Bacillus cereus thrives in dried herbs and spices because its spores survive low-moisture processing. When those spores rehydrate in cooked dishes—such as soups, sauces or marinades—rapid bacterial growth can occur if food is left at room temperature for several hours. Health experts recommend cooling hot foods quickly, reheating leftovers to at least 74 °C (165 °F) and practicing strict hand-washing to curb further cross-contamination. This recall is classified as “Class 2,” meaning the exposure could cause temporary health consequences in otherwise healthy individuals or serious complications for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems. CFIA says it will continue verifying that the faulty product is removed from commerce and may trigger additional recalls if other lots or brands test positive. What to do now • Check kitchen cupboards, spice racks and restaurant prep areas for Heavenly Spices Garlic Powder 70 g, lot 091224. • If found, do not taste or cook with it; double-bag the pouch before discarding or bring it back to Dollarama for a full refund, even without a receipt. • Wash hands, utensils and any surfaces that came in contact with the powder using hot, soapy water. • Monitor yourself and family members for gastrointestinal symptoms within 6–15 hours of consuming any suspect dish; seek medical advice if severe cramping or persistent vomiting occurs. The Heavenly Spices alert arrives during a busy summer recall season, underscoring CFIA’s advice to subscribe to email or SMS notifications for real-time food-safety updates. Consumers can report additional illnesses or product complaints to CFIA’s toll-free line at 1-800-442-2342.