A nationwide recall has been issued for a variety of ground spices and spice blends sold under the Salem Foods brand due to the presence of undeclared allergens, specifically wheat, gluten, and mustard. The recall was announced on May 1, 2026, following concerns that certain products may pose serious health risks to consumers with allergies or intolerances.

The recall has been issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency after it was identified that multiple products were distributed without proper allergen labelling. Under food safety regulations, allergens such as wheat and mustard must be clearly declared on packaging, as their absence can lead to severe or life-threatening reactions in sensitive individuals.

Details of the Affected Products

The recall covers a broad range of Salem Foods spice products, primarily packaged in 200 g sizes, with one product (ground coriander) in a 185 g pack. The affected items include:

• Allspice (200 g)
• Beef Shawarma Spices (200 g)
• Biryani Spices (200 g)
• Ground Black Pepper (200 g)
• Mild Curry Powder (200 g)
• Chicken Shawarma Spices (200 g)
• Falafel Spices (200 g)
• Ground Cinnamon (200 g)
• Ground Coriander (185 g)
• Ground Cumin (200 g)

All product codes are included in the recall where wheat and mustard are not declared on the label, indicating a widespread labelling issue rather than a single batch-specific error.

Nature of the Risk

The primary concern is the undeclared presence of wheat and mustard. Wheat is a known allergen and a source of gluten, which can cause adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Mustard is also recognized as a priority allergen in several regulatory jurisdictions, including Canada.

Consumption of these products by affected individuals may lead to symptoms ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. For individuals with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can trigger significant health complications, including intestinal damage.

Distribution and Exposure

The recalled products were distributed nationwide, increasing the likelihood that they may be present in households, retail outlets, and food service establishments across the country. The wide distribution scope underscores the importance of immediate consumer awareness and action.

Consumer Advisory

Consumers are strongly advised to check their spice products carefully. If any of the recalled items are found, the following actions should be taken:

• Do not consume the products, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities to wheat, gluten, or mustard
• Do not use, sell, serve, or distribute the affected items
• Dispose of the products safely or return them to the place of purchase for a refund

Regulatory and Industry Response

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is conducting a detailed food safety investigation, which may lead to further recalls if additional affected products are identified. The agency is also working to ensure that corrective measures are implemented by the responsible company to prevent recurrence of such labelling failures.

Undeclared allergens remain one of the leading causes of food recalls globally, highlighting ongoing challenges in allergen management, cross-contamination control, and labelling compliance within the food industry.

Consumers are encouraged to stay updated through official recall notifications and report any adverse reactions or food safety concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Source: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-salem-foods-brand-ground-spices-and-spice-blends-recalled-due-undeclared-wheat