Europena Black Garlic Marinade Recalled Over Undeclared Soy: Health Canada

Canadian food safety authorities have classified a Class 2 recall of a wholesale marinade product after officials determined that the item contained soy not declared on its label. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, working under Health Canada, issued the notification on September 15, 2026, targeting Europena brand Gluten Free Black Garlic (Marinade) distributed to warehouses in British Columbia.

The recall was published on September 17, 2026, and carries the identification number RA-82638. Because the product was distributed to warehouse-level accounts rather than directly to retail shelves, the scope of the recall is narrower than many consumer-facing food alerts, but the health risk to anyone with a soy allergy or sensitivity remains the same wherever the product ends up being served.

Which Items Are Involved?

The recalled item is the Europena brand Gluten Free Black Garlic (Marinade), sold in 4 litre containers. The affected product carries UPC 8 82879 00330 2, with Lot #471 and a best-if-used-by date of 02/08/2028. Businesses that received this specific lot are the ones directly implicated in the recall.

• Brand: Europena
• Product: Gluten Free Black Garlic (Marinade)
• Size: 4 L
• UPC: 8 82879 00330 2
• Lot: #471, Best if Used by 02/08/2028
• Distribution: British Columbia (warehouse audience)

What Triggered the Recall

The issue centers on an undeclared allergen. According to the recall notice, the marinade contains soy that was not listed on the product label, a violation of food allergen labelling rules designed to protect consumers who must avoid the ingredient. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency categorized the concern as Food – Allergen – Soy and assigned it a Class 2 risk classification, indicating a situation where consuming the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.

Recalling firm Europena Ingredients Inc. is listed as the company responsible for the product. As of the notice date, the recall had not been linked to any confirmed reports of illness, though the agency advises that undeclared soy poses a genuine risk for individuals with soy allergies.

Who Should Be Concerned

The recall notice lists the audience as Warehouse and the distribution area as British Columbia, meaning the product moved through business and food-service channels rather than direct retail sale to the general public. Restaurants, caterers, and other food handlers who purchased the marinade in bulk for use in prepared dishes are the primary parties who need to check their inventory.

Anyone with a soy allergy who has eaten at an establishment that may have used this marinade, or who works with the product in a commercial kitchen or warehouse setting, should be aware of the potential exposure.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

The instructions from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are straightforward: businesses holding the affected lot should not use, sell, serve, or distribute the product. Any remaining stock matching the lot code and best-before date should be set aside and not incorporated into food preparation.

• Check inventory for Lot #471 with a best-if-used-by date of 02/08/2028.
• Do not use, sell, serve, or distribute the affected marinade.
• Contact the supplier or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with questions about disposal or return.
• Individuals with soy allergies should ask food-service providers about ingredient sourcing if concerned about possible exposure.

From the Agency

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency published the recall under its standard notification process, noting the recall class, distribution area, and affected audience. The agency directs public enquiries to 1-613-773-2342 or information@inspection.gc.ca, while media enquiries can be directed to 613-773-6600 or cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca.

The agency continues to monitor the situation and may update the notice as new information becomes available. The recall remains listed as active as of its last update on September 17, 2026.