A recall of multiple bread products in Canada due to the discovery of metal fragments has sparked frustration and confusion, particularly among independent grocers. Gary Sands, Vice President of Government Relations at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), expressed disbelief at how the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) handled the situation. Typically, when a recall is issued, the CFIA notifies CFIG, which then passes the information on to its members. However, this time, Sands says CFIG members were left in the dark and only learned about the recall from media reports.
When Sands reached out to the CFIA, he was told that the incident was not considered “high-risk.” “That’s a head scratcher for me,” Sands said. “Metal in food is high risk.” Despite the official’s comments, both the industry and the public treated it as a serious recall. The CFIA’s official website labeled it a “recall” and specifically mentioned that various bread and bun products were being pulled from shelves due to the metal contamination. However, the recall was classified as “Class 2,” which, according to the CFIA, indicates a “moderate risk” of short-term or non-life-threatening health problems.
The recall stemmed from a contaminated batch of Sifto brand Hy·Grade Salt, produced by Compass Minerals Canada Corp. On October 30, the company initiated a recall after its client, Wonder Brands Inc., reported finding metal pieces in the salt. The CFIA issued a second recall notice on November 4 when Wonder Brands recalled its bread and bun products, which had been made using the affected salt.
Wonder’s parent company, Weston Foods, produces a range of well-known bread brands, including Wonder, Ace Bakery, Country Harvest, D’Italiano, Casa Mendosa, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Gadoua. Many of these products were included in the recall. While some have downplayed the situation—Martin Barnett, who represents bakers across Canada, pointed out that “nobody died”—the incident has nonetheless caused significant concern in the food industry and among consumers alike.
List of recalled bread products
Country Harvest: 14 Grains 100% Whole Grain Brown Bread, Ancient Grains 100% Whole Grain Brown Bread, Everything Seasoned Multigrain Bread, Flax & Quinoa 100% Whole Grain Brown Bread, Herb & Garlic Seasoned Herb Bread, No Sugar Added 100% Whole Wheat Bread, No Sugar Added White with Whole Grains Bread with Grains, Oats & Honey 100% Whole Grain Brown Bread, Seeds & Grains 100% Whole Grain Brown Bread, Sourdough Multigrain Bread, Stone Milled 100% Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Grain & Protein Blend Protein Multigrain Bread
D’Italiano: Brioche Style Hamburger Buns, Original Hamburger Buns, Sesame Hamburger Buns
Deli World: Sesame Buns
Giant Value: 100% Whole Wheat Bread, White Bread, 12 Grains Multigrain Loaf, Ancient Grains Multigrain Loaf, Flax & Quinoa Multigrain Loaf, White Bread
No Name: 100% Whole Wheat Bread, Original Bread
President’s Choice: Gigantico Burger Buns
Wonder: 100% Whole Wheat Bread, Classic White Bread, White Bread, White + Fibre – White Bread with added Oat Hull Fibre, White Hamburger Buns, White Hotdog Buns
The recall was issued in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Quebec.
