Salmonella contamination prompts widespread recalls across Canada

CANADA – Henlong Oriental Gifts & Foods Co. Ltd. is recalling Captain’s Choice brand Shredded Coconut because of possible Salmonella contamination.

The affected product is the 454g variant of UPC 8 934791 920105, with a lot number of GT0918003. It was distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan and has been classified as a Class 2 recall, indicating a remote risk of posing a health hazard.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), test results triggered this recall, and illnesses possibly associated with the consumption of this product have been reported.

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products, and is verifying that recalled products are being removed from the marketplace.

They further advise that recalled products should not be consumed, served, used, sold, or distributed. Instead, they should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased. 

Salmonella remains the most common cause of bacterial contamination, causing food recalls. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions that certain groups of people, including young children under 5 years old, the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions, and individuals with weakened immune systems, have an increased risk of infection, and some may develop severe illness.

You may not get sick at all. However, if you do, symptoms typically begin within 6 to 72 hours after exposure. They include chills, fever, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and sudden headaches.

Sweet Cream brand and D. Effe T. brand frozen pastries Salmonella recall

Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. is also recalling Sweet Cream brand and D. Effe T. brand frozen pastries due to possible Salmonella contamination.

This recall was triggered by findings from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak: It reported one illness possibly associated with the consumption of these products.

The affected products were distributed to Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and possibly other provinces and territories.

They may have been sold clerk-served or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or lot number. More information is available on CFIA’s website.

The recall is classified as a Class 2, addressed to the general public, as well as hotels, restaurants, and other institutions.

Recurring-recall

The Sweet Cream brand recall follows a closed Salmonella outbreak investigation by the CFIA earlier in the year, linked to Sweet Cream brand mini pastries and D. Effe T. brand Lemon Delight and Tartlet with Forest Fruits. It was manufactured in Italy and exported into the United States by Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. of Quebec, Canada.

From the investigation, 79 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella enteritidis illness in Canada were reported, with 24 people hospitalised, and no deaths.

The U.S. FDA and the CDC also investigated a similar outbreak linked to mini pastries of the same genetic strain as illnesses reported in that outbreak. 

This prompted a recall of Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries with best-by dates from June 17 to November 15, 2025, distributed to various food service locations in Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. 

As of March 14, 2025, 18 infections were reported, with one hospitalised case and no deaths. 

The U.S. FDA added Mini Patisserie Ready to Eat (RTE) pastries from the Italian manufacturer, Sweet Cream S.R.L.S., to the Red List of Import Alert #99-19, informing FDA field staff that they may detain shipments of these pastries without physical examination.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.