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CFIA/Health Hazard Alert: Bunches of Fenugreek Leaves May Be Contaminated With the Toxic Weed Senecio vulgaris

Product photos at: http://bit.ly/yYfH3x

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fruiticana Produce Inc. are warning the public not to consume certain bunches of Fenugreek leaves because they may be contaminated with a toxic weed Senecio vulgaris.

The bunches of Fenugreek leaves were sold exclusively through Fruiticana stores in British Columbia and Alberta from February 5, 2012 to February 11, 2012 inclusive. These bunches of Fenugreek leaves contain no lot codes or label. If consumers have purchased these bunches of Fenugreek leaves at any Fruiticana location, and are unsure if they have the affected product, please consult the place of purchase to verify if their product is affected by the recall.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The toxic weed Senecio vulgaris can contain various chemicals known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which are known to cause liver damage in humans if consumed in sufficient amounts.

The importer, Fruiticana Produce Inc., Surrey, British Columbia is voluntarily recalling the affected product from the marketplace, The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA's Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp

To find out more about receiving recalls by e-mail, and other food safety facts, visit: www.foodsafety.gc.ca. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.