Undeclared Peanut Sparks Recall of Ofood Mild Ssamjang Soybean Paste 2026

An undeclared peanut allergen has triggered a Class 1 food recall of a popular Korean condiment sold across Canada, an issue that poses a serious risk to anyone with a peanut allergy or sensitivity. Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced on September 8, 2026, that Ofood brand Mild Ssamjang Original Seasoned Soybean Paste is being pulled from store shelves nationwide because the label fails to disclose that the product contains peanut.

The recall was issued at the request of the CFIA after a consumer complaint alerted regulators to the labelling gap. So far, no illnesses or allergic reactions linked to the product have been reported, but the agency has classified the recall as Class 1, its highest-risk category, meaning consumption of the affected paste could cause serious or even life-threatening health consequences for allergic individuals.

Products Affected by This Recall

The recall covers all three retail sizes of Ofood Mild Ssamjang Original Seasoned Soybean Paste currently on the market. The affected items include the 170 g package (UPC 8 801052 048192), the 500 g package (UPC 8 801052 048215), and the 1 kg package (UPC 8 801052 048208). According to the notice, every production code of these sizes is included in the recall wherever the bilingual label does not declare peanut as an ingredient.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

Ssamjang is a fermented soybean-and-chili paste widely used in Korean cuisine, often paired with grilled meats and lettuce wraps. In this case, the product’s ingredient label omitted peanut, a top food allergen that Canadian regulations require to be clearly identified. For someone with a peanut allergy, eating even a small amount of an undeclared allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction that may include swelling, difficulty breathing, and a sharp drop in blood pressure.

The CFIA says it is continuing to investigate the matter, and that the probe could lead to further recalls tied to the same manufacturer or supply chain. Regulators are also working to confirm that the recalling firms, Lemond Food Corp. and Seoul Trading Corp., are removing the mislabelled paste from retailers across the country.

Where Were These Products Sold?

Distribution of the recalled soybean paste is listed as national, meaning the product may have reached grocery stores, Asian food retailers, and restaurants in every province and territory. Because ssamjang is commonly stocked in shops catering to Korean and broader Asian communities, Health Canada is urging anyone who regularly shops at these retailers to check their pantry, regardless of where in Canada they live.

What Should You Do?

Consumers who have purchased any size of Ofood Mild Ssamjang Original Seasoned Soybean Paste should not eat it if they are allergic or sensitive to peanuts. The paste should not be served, used, sold, or given away to others. Health Canada advises that affected jars be thrown out or returned to the store where they were bought.

• Check your fridge or pantry for any of the three package sizes listed above
• Do not consume the product if you have a peanut allergy
• Discard the paste or return it to the retailer for a refund
• Watch for allergic reaction symptoms if the product has already been eaten and seek medical care if needed
• Report any adverse reactions or concerns to the CFIA

From the Agency

In its official notice, the CFIA reiterated that the core issue is labelling: the products ‘contain peanut which is improperly declared on the label,’ and that consumers should not consume recalled products to which they are allergic or sensitive, since they ‘may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction.’ The agency confirmed there have been no reported illnesses tied to the paste so far, but stressed that verification of the retail withdrawal is ongoing.

Anyone with questions can contact the CFIA’s public enquiries line at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca. Health Canada also encourages consumers to sign up for recall notifications by email to stay informed about this and future food safety alerts.