CFIA recalls select Shaik Al Kar halva for possible Salmonella; no illnesses reported

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a Class 1 recall on Sept. 23 for select Shaik Al Kar brand halva due to possible Salmonella contamination. According to the CFIA recall notice, the products were distributed in Alberta and British Columbia. The agency said no illnesses have been reported and the recall was triggered by CFIA test results.

The CFIA states that food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. The agency notes that young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious infection. Reported symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea; long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The CFIA lists the following affected products:

• Shaik Al Kar — Plain Halva, 800 g; UPC 6 253011 500616; best-before 2026-Aug-25; lot BN#260824.V
• Shaik Al Kar — Pistachio Halva, 400 g; UPC 6 253011 500623; best-before 2026-Aug-25; lot BN#260824.PS
• Shaik Al Kar — Pistachio Halva, 800 g; UPC 6 253011 500593; best-before 2026-Aug-25; lot BN#260824.PS
• Shaik Al Kar — Sugar Free Plain Halva Diet, 400 g; UPC 6 253011 502634; best-before 2026-Aug-25; lot BN#260824.V
• Shaik Al Kar — Chocolate Halva, 400 g; UPC 6 253011 500630; best-before 2026-Aug-25; lot BN#260824.CH
• Shaik Al Kar — Chocolate Halva, 800 g; UPC not available; best-before 2026-Aug-25; lot BN#260824.CH

The CFIA advises consumers not to consume, use, sell, serve or distribute the recalled products; to check for the items; and to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. The agency also advises that anyone who believes they became sick after consuming a recalled product should contact a healthcare provider.

The CFIA says it is conducting a food safety investigation that may lead to the recall of other products and is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

CFIA recall details include: alert type: Food recall warning; category: Food – Candy, confectionary, snacks and sweeteners; recall class: Class 1; recall identification number: RA-78117; CFIA ID: 16772; original published date: Sept. 23, 2025; recalling firm: Nabil Boutamina doing business as Mediterranean Halal Meats; distribution: Alberta and British Columbia.

Full recall information is posted on the CFIA website: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/shaikh-al-kar-brand-halva-products-recalled-due-salmonella