Widespread Recalls Due to Rodent Infestation and Salmonella Contamination of Bistak Inc. Foods
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced a recall on all Bistak Enterprises Inc. food products at their Saskatoon-based companies, Bistak Enterprises Inc. and Bistak Groceries Inc., sold through December 29, 2021, due to a rodent infestation which caused salmonella contamination. The current list of recalled products include, but are not limited to, Bistak’s dry foods such as grains, beans, flour; grocery canned goods; fats and oils; drinks; meat products; fish products; baked goods; spices; and milk powder. For the complete list of details regarding the recalled products visit the CFIA’s website.
This recall has given rise to other recalls issued by companies whose products are supplied by Bistak Enterprises Inc. One such recall was announced on January 17, 2022, by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regarding re-packaged Tiger Nuts from the African Foodways marketplace, due to the ongoing concern of salmonella contamination. These recalled products have been sold at two different African Foodways Markets, both located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The current list of products included in the recall are 0.5 lb Tiger Nuts packages, originating from Bistak Enterprises Inc., sold through November 18, 2021.
Regardless of the unappetizing thought of rodent contact with food, their spread of salmonella bacteria to the food can cause serious illness when ingested by humans. Salmonella infection, referred to as salmonellosis, typically causes symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Most people are able to recover from salmonellosis without medical attention, however, the elderly, pregnant women, young children, or anyone who is immunocompromised can develop serious and even life-threatening complications.
Consumers should make sure that they are not in possession of any of the recalled products and if they are, to return them to their place of purchase or dispose of them immediately and sanitize any surfaces they came into contact with.
