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Food Recalls from 2021 in Canada: Stats from Coast to Coast
Food recalls are a serious business threat to meat and poultry processors in North America. Each food recall can carry a heavy cost, and inherently bring large risks that affect the entire business. The 2021 food recall stats from Canada were a mixed bag with a wide range of food categories including meat and poultry products.
In this article, we’ve compiled the most remarkable food recall insights from 2021. Hopefully this is a valuable resource that point out potential dangers in 2022 for food manufacturers.
Before we begin, let’s look at how Canadian health authorities categorize food recalls in terms of risk level.
Canada Recall Classifications
- Type I: Assign this type to a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of (or exposure to) a recalled product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
- Type II: Assign this type to a situation where the use of, or exposure to, a recalled product may cause temporary adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
- Type III: Assign this type to a situation where the use of (or exposure to) a recalled product is not likely to cause any adverse health consequences
How does CFIA decide to Recall a Food Product?
When CFIA identifies a potential risk in a food product, it initiates its special five-step audit and investigation process. These steps not only help determine if a product should be recalled, but they also extend to the recall process:
- Trigger
- Food safety investigation
- Risk assessment
- Recall process
- Follow-up
Source: https://inspection.canada.ca/
Who did CFIA warn and notify about recalls in 2021?
From retail stores to hospitals, the CFIA food recall warnings were sent to a variety of audiences depending on the risks, roles and liabilities. In 2021, CFIA contacted the following audiences to initiate a recall or advise the general public:
- General public: 46
- Retail: 23
- Hotels, restaurants, and institutions: 6
- Manufacturers: 4
What types of foods were recalled the most in Canada in 2021?
Unlike the United States food recall statistics, Canada has a wide range of food recalls throughout 2021:
- Other: 26
- Fruits and vegetables: 18
- Nuts, grains, and seeds: 13
- Candy, confectionary, snacks, and sweeteners: 10
- Fish and seafood: 6
- Meat and poultry: 5
- Multiple food items: 4
- Condiments: 2
- Beverages: 1
- Grain products: 1
- Infant products: 1
Let’s look back at some key recalls from 2021:
- Chicken burgers recalled due to undeclared egg
Chicken burgers were recalled from the marketplace because they may contain egg which is not declared on the label. The recalled products have been sold nationally.
Food recall warning | 2021-12-10 - Salami recalled due to undeclared wheat
Salami was recalled from the marketplace because it may contain wheat which is not declared on the label. This could affect people who have an allergy to wheat or have celiac disease or other gluten-related disorder.
Food recall warning | 2021-10-23 - Bar clams recalled due to potential presence of dangerous bacteria
Bar clams that have been sold unrefrigerated was recalled from the marketplace because the product may permit the growth of Clostridium Botulinum.
Food recall warning | 2021-12-23
***Source: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/***
Where can you find out more information on best practices around recall management?
Carlisle Technology has served the food industry for over 35 years. Our solutions help food manufacturers reduce the risks presented by product recalls. We’ve also put together a content library that discusses different aspects of recall management and food safety. If you’re looking for more information, please check out our website. Here are a few links to some of our resources:
- Food Traceability Software - Carlisle Technology, we wrote the book!
- Carlisle Technology: Blog - Empowering and Educating
About Carlisle Technology
Carlisle Technology is a solution integrator that brings together hardware and software to create turn-key food traceability solutions. Our plant-floor product weighing and labeling solutions reduce human error and streamline plant-floor production. Carlisle Technology’s main software suite, Symphony, provides end-to-end traceability, from raw material receiving through to finished goods packaging. Symphony empowers food manufacturers to respond quickly when a recall event occurs. Using a tech-enabled traceability system, like Symphony, helps manufacturers adhere to government regulations, and provide safe food to consumers.
Written by: Can Malay, SEO Specialist - Carlisle Technology
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