Karmactive Staff
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a nationwide recall for Hellmann’s Classic Burger Sauce due to “bloating and spoilage” concerns. The recall specifically targets the 325 ml bottles with UPC code 0 68400 00128 7 and product code 20250903GF.
Major retailers including Walmart, Amazon.ca, Sobeys, Metro, FreshCo, and Foodland have pulled the affected products from their shelves. A Sobeys spokesperson confirmed “immediate action” was taken to remove the affected product from all their banner stores across Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada and Western Canada—including Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, Voilà, IGA, Thrifty Foods and Co-op.
Understanding the Recall
The CFIA has classified this as a “Class 3” recall, indicating a low risk of serious health consequences. However, consumers should still take precautions.
When food packaging shows bloating, it typically means bacteria or yeast inside the product are producing gases. This happens when microorganisms break down ingredients in the sauce, creating carbon dioxide that causes the package to swell.
Consuming spoiled food products can lead to various symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating and gas
What Consumers Should Do
The CFIA’s guidance is clear: “Do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product.”
If you’ve purchased Hellmann’s Classic Burger Sauce with the matching UPC and product code, you should:
- Not consume the product
- Return it to the place of purchase for a refund, or
- Discard it properly
The recall is part of standard food safety protocols designed to protect consumers from potentially compromised products.
Food Safety Context
Food recalls are common safety measures in Canada’s food industry. Recent data shows that approximately one-third of Canadian food recalls stem from microbiological hazards like the spoilage issue affecting this Hellmann’s product.
While Unilever Canada, the company behind Hellmann’s, has not issued detailed public statements about the root cause beyond the official recall notice, their prompt action in collaboration with the CFIA follows standard industry practice for managing potential food safety risks.
The CFIA continues to monitor the situation as part of its mandate to ensure food safety for Canadian consumers.
