A national recall has been issued for a brand of organic almond butter cups due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts in the product.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has declared a countrywide recall of 51-gram Organic Almond Butter Cups produced by the Eatlove brand.
The recall was prompted by CFIA test results, the agency said, but there have yet to be any documented reactions related to the consumption of these products.
The agency said it is in the process of confirming all affected products are withdrawn from the market. CFIA is also conducting a food-safety investigation, which it said could lead to the recall of additional products.
Consumers are advised to check if they purchased a recalled product and to abstain from consuming it if they have any allergies or sensitivities to peanuts. The product could result in a serious or life-threatening response, the agency said.
Allergy Symptoms
Peanuts can cause mild reactions like hives and itching to severe reactions like anaphylaxis, Health Canada says.Severe allergic responses can cause pale or blue-tinged skin colour, weak pulse, dizziness or lightheadedness, trouble swallowing, or loss of consciousness. Other reactions include anxiety, uterine cramps and a metallic taste.
People suffering from anaphylaxis may show signs such as breathing difficulties, a decrease in blood pressure, or shock, which can lead to unconsciousness and, in severe cases, death.
Anaphylaxis can only be treated with an injection of epinephrine, which is delivered using an auto-injector known as an EpiPen, the health agency said.