The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has teamed up with provincial and territorial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada to investigate several illnesses resulting from an imported spice product containing aconitine in the province of Ontario.
Based on the investigation findings to date, the illnesses are linked to Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder), a common spice used in Asian cuisine, which contained aconitine toxin. Aconitine is derived from certain plants and plant roots that contain alkaloid toxins and can cause severe illness, and even death.
The recalled product has been sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. Although there have been no illnesses reported outside the province of Ontario at this time, the distribution and use of this product could result in illnesses in other jurisdictions.
Do not eat, use, sell, or serve the recalled keampferia galanga powder (sand ginger powder) or any products made with the recalled keampferia galanga powder (sand ginger powder). This advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors, manufacturers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and long-term care homes, across Canada. This public health notice will be updated as the investigation evolves.
As of September 2, 2022, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is aware of 11 individuals in Ontario who experienced symptoms consistent with aconitine poisoning after consuming a restaurant meal where the recalled product was used. No deaths have been reported, but five individuals were hospitalized after consuming their meal.
On September 1, 2022, the CFIA issued a food recall warning for Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder). For more information on the recalled product, please consult CFIA’s website. The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation.
