The recall notice states that the product has been recalled due to harmless microbial contamination. (representational image)
The Government of Canada has recalled the Brian Pacific Tide Sparkling Spring Water brand after discovering a problem with bulging cans. Authorities have advised consumers and retailers not to use, sell, provide or distribute the affected product.The recall notice, published on Thursday, states that the product has been recalled due to harmless microbial contamination (quality or spoilage).The recalled product is Briine Pacific Tide Sparkling Spring Water sold in 355 ml cans with UPC 7 26529 99111 6. According to the notice, the affected products carry best before codes 01AL2028 and 02AL2028. The recall applies to products distributed in Alberta.The Government of Canada has asked consumers to check if they have the affected product and not to use it if it matches the details listed in the recall.The official notice defines the problem as “Food – Microbial Contamination – Harmless (Quality or Spoilage).” No additional products were included in the recall notice, and no other details about the incident were provided. The Government of Canada also called on consumers to sign up for recall and safety alert notifications to receive updates on new and modified recalls.
Bulging cans are warning signs
Food safety experts say inflated food containers should be avoided at all costs. Inspecting food packaging is an important step in staying safe, Darren Detwiler, head of the National Environmental Health Association’s Food Safety Program and author of Food Safety—Past, Present and Forecast, told The Huffington Post.He said people should look for signs of bloating before eating, just as they would check a product’s use-by date or smell food that has been stored for some time to see if it has spoiled.
Affected products carry best-before codes 01AL2028 and 02AL2028.
Why do food containers swell?
Jagdish Khubchandani, a public health professor at New Mexico State University who specializes in food safety, said bulging food packages are usually a sign of bacterial growth. He explained that bacteria can produce carbon dioxide gas, and as the gas accumulates inside the package, it causes the container to swell.However, Khubchandani said bacterial growth is not the only possible cause of bulging packages.
Changes in air pressure at high altitudes or after air travel can also cause some parcels to expand.The USDA says frozen cans may also swell, but they may still be safe to use if the seams are intact and the can is not rusted. Bags of spinach and other leafy greens can also swell due to the plants’ natural respiration process, which is not caused by bacteria, Darren Detwiler said.
What happens if I consume from the inflated can?
Jagdish Khubchandani said the effects of eating food from inflated packages can vary from having no symptoms to becoming seriously ill.
Some people may only notice an unpleasant taste, while others may develop food poisoning.The USDA says many people who eat spoiled foods don’t get sick because their digestive system can help remove harmful germs. However, Khubchandani warned that some people may experience severe vomiting and diarrhea.He added that in rare cases, contaminated food can cause serious food-borne diseases that may lead to complications affecting the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. Since it is impossible to know the exact risks by looking at the puffy packaging, experts advise avoiding such products.Khubchandani said consuming food from bulging packages is not worth the risk, while food safety expert Darren Detwiler offered a simple rule: “If in doubt, throw it away.”
