Seven-Province Recall Hits Alasko Frozen Whole Raspberries Over Norovirus

If you have a bag of frozen raspberries in your freezer right now, it is worth checking the label before you toss a handful into your next smoothie. Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have issued a Class 1 food recall warning for Alasko brand frozen whole raspberries after the products were linked to possible norovirus contamination, with illnesses already reported among people who consumed them.

The recall, announced on September 15, 2026, covers two Alasko-branded raspberry products distributed to retailers, restaurants and institutions across a wide swath of eastern and central Canada. Because a Class 1 designation is reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that eating the product could cause serious health consequences, consumers are being urged to act immediately rather than wait for further updates.

Products Affected by This Recall

The recall applies to two package formats sold under the Alasko brand:

• ‘Alasko Whole Raspberries (frozen)’ – 1 kg bags, UPC 6 95058 00205 4, PO# 138602, LOT# SY25314, best before 2027-NO-10
• ‘Alasko IQF Whole Raspberries’ – 5 kg cases (5 x 1 kg), UPC 1 069505 800205 1, Lot SY25314, P.O. 138602, best before 2027-NO-10

Both products share the same lot code and best-before date, which points to a single production batch as the source of concern. Consumers who are unsure whether their package matches these codes should compare the packaging closely, since the UPC and lot information are the fastest way to confirm whether a product on hand is part of the recall.

What Triggered the Recall

According to the CFIA, the recall was prompted by findings made during the agency’s investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak. Testing and epidemiological work pointed to these Alasko raspberry products as a likely source, and the agency confirmed that there have been reported illnesses associated with consuming them. The CFIA says its food safety investigation is continuing and could lead to the recall of additional products connected to the same supplier or production run.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is a leading cause of foodborne illness. Symptoms typically begin between 12 and 48 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps, sometimes accompanied by low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches or fatigue. Most healthy people recover within a day or two without lasting effects, but the illness can cause dangerous dehydration in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, occasionally requiring hospitalization for intravenous fluids.

Where Were These Products Sold?

The recalled raspberries were distributed in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Because the products were sold to the general public as well as to hotels, restaurants and institutions, the potential reach extends beyond home freezers to food service operations that may have used the raspberries in prepared dishes, baked goods or dessert toppings.

What Should You Do?

Health Canada’s guidance for anyone who may have these raspberries at home or in a commercial kitchen is straightforward:

• Check freezers and food storage areas for the affected 1 kg bags or 5 kg cases matching the listed UPCs and lot codes
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute any recalled product
• Throw out recalled raspberries or return them to the store where they were purchased
• Contact a healthcare provider if you believe you became sick after eating the product

Because norovirus spreads easily and re-infection is possible even after a previous bout of illness, anyone handling the recalled product is also advised to wash hands, utensils and surfaces thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.

From the Agency

The CFIA says it is actively verifying that New Alasko L.P., the recalling firm, is removing the affected raspberries from store shelves and food service supply chains. The agency has not ruled out expanding the recall as its investigation continues. Consumers with questions can reach the CFIA’s public enquiries line at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca, while media inquiries can be directed to 613-773-6600 or cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca.

Health Canada and the CFIA are continuing to monitor the situation and have encouraged Canadians to sign up for recall notifications by email so they are alerted quickly if the scope of this recall changes.