Bistak Food Recall List: All Products Pulled Over Rat Infestation, Possible Salmonella Contamination

Canadian authorities have announced a recall for all food products distributed by two companies from the province of Saskatchewan over a threat of possible bacteria contamination.

Saskatoon-based companies Bistak Enterprises Inc. and Bistak Groceries Inc. recalled all food products sold up to Dec. 29 last year due to possible Salmonella contamination caused by a rodent infestation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said in a statement released last Thursday.

No further information regarding the cause of the recall, prompted by a referral from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, was disclosed.

Carotino Palm Cooking Oil, which had its affected units sold at Yulu Connection in Ontario between June 1, 2021, and July 31 of the same year, was the only product named by the food regulatory body in its statement.

Other recalled products were not listed, but the CFIA noted that they "may include dry foods such as grains, beans, flour; grocery canned goods; fats and oils; drinks; meat products; fish products; baked goods; spices; and milk powder."

Aside from Saskatchewan, the recalled products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba, according to the CFIA. They may have been sold in other provinces and territories as well.

The CFIA provided a list of locations where the recalled products were sold in its initial announcement.

The agency also urged consumers to do the following:

• If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor
• Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment
• Do not consume the recalled products
• Do not serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products
• Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased

Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products were advised to contact their retailers.

"Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick," the CFIA explained.

The agency specifically warned that young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems were at risk of contracting "serious and sometimes deadly infections."

People considered "healthy" may experience short-term symptoms, like fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, according to the CFIA. There could also be long-term complications such as "severe arthritis."

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the recalled products.

The agency is now conducting a food safety investigation, which may result in more products being recalled.

Additionally, the CFIA is verifying that the industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.