Gagan Foods International, with the assistance of the CFIA, has announced a warning against its own coriander powder product. The public is warned that the coriander powder is possibly contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria.

The affected coriander powder is sold under the Gagan label. This product is manufactured in India, then imported into Canada to be sold. The product was shipped in containers with Batch number RSLI/09-10/DG-13. The coriander powder was distributed and sold in 4 different sizes: 100-gram packs (UPC code 775620310302), 200-gram packs (UPC code 775620310319), 400-gram packs (UPC code 775620310371) and 1-kilogram packs (UPC code 775620310333).

The affected coriander powder was distributed in British Columbia,Manitoba and Alberta. Consumers are urged to check with their retailers to learn if they are selling the coriander powder covered by the recall.

Food that has been contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria does not have any noticeable look. It also does not smell spoiled, which is why it will seem harmless to eat, when it actually is very harmful. Food poisoning caused by Salmonella is known as Salmonellosis. This bacterium can cause serious medical problems, especially in children, elderly people, or those that have weakened immunities. Salmonellosis causes high-fever, vomiting, abdominal pains, severe headache, nausea and diarrhea. Currently, there have been no reports of Salmonella poisoning caused by the affected Coriander powder.

Gagan Foods has already implemented a recall on this imported product. The company, together with the CFIA, is currently monitoring the status of the recall, as well as its effectiveness. For people who want to have more information on this recall, they may call the CFIA (1-800-442-2342) or TTY (1-800-465-7735). These hotlines are open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, weekdays.