The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a food recall warning on June 26, 2026, on some Salem Foods ground spices and spice blends. The affected products have been recalled since they contain undeclared wheat, sesame, and mustard that are not declared on the label. This is a national food recall in Canada, and the food recall is classified as a Class 1 recall. The food recall was prompted by the findings from the CFIA test results. [1]

Canada: Salem Foods Ground Spices and Spice Blends Recalled Due to Undeclared Wheat, Sesame and Mustard

Recall Aug 12, 2026

Category of the Product: Food – Herbs and Spices

Type of the Product: Ground Spices and Spice Blends

Reason for Announcement: Potential presence of undeclared wheat, sesame and mustard in selected Salem Foods ground spices and spice blends.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a food recall warning on June 26, 2026, on some Salem Foods ground spices and spice blends. The affected products have been recalled since they contain undeclared wheat, sesame, and mustard that are not declared on the label. This is a national food recall in Canada, and the food recall is classified as a Class 1 recall. The food recall was prompted by the findings from the CFIA test results. [1]

Reason for Warning

The affected products contain undeclared wheat, sesame, and mustard that are not declared on the product label. The CFIA warns that consumers who are allergic or sensitive to these ingredients should avoid eating the recalled products since they can cause serious or life-threatening reactions. The agency also cautions individuals suffering from celiac disease and other gluten sensitivity disorders not to consuming the recalled products.

Root Cause Analysis

It is stated in the official recall notice that the recall was prompted by the findings of Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results. Nevertheless, there is no mention of a manufacturing, supplier, processing, packaging, or formulation error as the reason for the presence of undeclared allergens in these products. CFIA is investigating the issue for potential food safety concerns which may prompt the recall of additional products and will make sure industry removes the recalled products from the marketplace. [2]

Product Description

Brand

Product

Size

UPC

Affected Codes

Salem Foods

Cookies Spices

200 g

8 25685 00240 4

All codes where wheat, sesame and mustard are not declared

Salem Foods

Ground Cardamom

180 g

8 25685 00410 1

All codes where wheat, sesame and mustard are not declared

Salem Foods

Spearmint

120 g

8 25685 00420 0

All codes where wheat, sesame and mustard are not declared

The list of affected products was distributed nationally within Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ID of this recall is RA-82253, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ID is 17418. [1]

Health Issue Identified

The foods that are recalled may possibly include wheat, sesame and mustard that are not listed in the food label. For individuals who have allergies or sensitivities towards these ingredients, consuming the recalled products may lead to a possible serious or life-threatening reaction. The CFIA also cautions consumers of having celiac disease or other types of gluten sensitivities not to consume the recalled products.

The CFIA notes that there have been no reports of reactions because of the consumption of these foods during the time of the product recall. [3]

Concerns from Regulatory Body

Undeclared Wheat, Sesame and Mustard

Key Regulatory Considerations

  • Accurate declaration of allergens on food labels.
  • Identification and removal of recalled products from the marketplace.
  • Safeguarding of consumers with food allergies and sensitivities.
  • Protection of consumers with celiac disease or other types of gluten sensitivity disorders.
  • Investigation of food safety concerns and regulatory verification.
  • Appropriate recall and consumer notification procedures.

The CFIA is investigating related to food safety and possibly may conduct another product recall. The CFIA is also ensuring that industry takes steps towards the removal of recalled products from the marketplace.

Canada: Salem Foods Spice Recall | Undeclared Allergens

Manufacturer and Consumer Guidance

For Consumers

The CFIA recommends that consumers:

  • Check whether they have any of the recalled products.
  • Do not consume the recalled product if they are allergic to or sensitive to wheat, sesame, or mustard.
  • Do not eat the recalled products if you have celiac disease or any other gluten sensitivity disorders.
  • Do not consume, offer for sale, distribute or sell the recalled products.
  • Dispose of the recalled products or return it back to where it was purchased from.

For Manufacturer

As per the recall notice issued by CFIA, they are conducting a food safety investigation to verify the effectiveness of the firm in removing the recalled product from the marketplace. The investigation may lead to the recall of additional products. [4]

FRL Commentary

This recall highlights the importance of allergen identification, proper labeling, product testing and traceability in the manufacture of spices and seasonings. Products that include ground spices and spice blends may contain multiple ingredients, thus the need for precise ingredient and allergen information essential for consumer safety.

Manufacturers can enhance their preventive control measures at Food Research Lab through the following processes:

  • Ingredient and allergen verification.
  • Label and regulatory compliance review.
  • Supplier and raw material verification.
  • Product testing and quality assurance.
  • Batch traceability.
  • Recall preparedness.
  • Quality management systems.

Food manufacturers can use such measures to identify allergen risks in foods, verify their product information and have the necessary controls during the development and commercialization of their products.

Conclusion

The Salem Foods recall in Canada highlights the importance of declaring allergens in ground spices and spice blends. In this case, the recall was due to test results related to products containing undeclared wheat, sesame and mustard; with no associated reports on any reaction to the products at the time of the notice.

Food Research Lab assists food manufacturers in allergen risk assessment, product testing, label compliance, quality management, traceability, and regulatory services in developing and commercializing foods.

References

  1. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2026). Various Salem Foods brand ground spices and spice blends recalled due to undeclared wheat, sesame and mustard. Government of Canada. https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/various-salem-foods-brand-ground-spices-and-spice-blends-recalled-due-undeclared-0
  2. Daily Hive. (2026). Salem Foods spices recalled across Canada due to undeclared allergens. https://dailyhive.com/toronto/salem-foods-spice-recall-canada
  3. (2026). Various Salem Foods brand ground spices and spice blends recalled due to undeclared wheat, sesame and mustard. https://safetypulse.ca/recalls/various-salem-foods-brand-ground-spices-and-spice-blends-recalled-due-to-undeclared-wheat-sesame-and-mustard-page-various-salem-foods-brand-ground-spices-and-spice-blends-recalled-/
  4. (2026). Various Salem Foods brand ground spices and spice blends recalled due to undeclared wheat, sesame and mustard. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/various-salem-foods-brand-ground-spices-and-spice-blends-recalled-due-to-undeclared-wheat-sesame-and-mustard-875986875.html