Olymel Chicken Breast Strips Recalled Over Listeria Risk: Health Canada

A Quebec-based meat processor is pulling a popular ready-to-eat chicken item from store shelves after routine oversight raised concerns about bacterial contamination. Olymel S.E.C/L.P. has recalled its ‘Chicken Breast Strips’ product due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed on September 11, 2026.

The recall affects a single package size sold in Quebec: Olymel Chicken Breast Strips in a 2 x 175 g format, carrying UPC 0 69094 63596 3 and a best-before date of ‘2026 OC 10’. The item was distributed to retail locations within the province and consumers are urged to check their freezers and refrigerators immediately.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The affected product is limited to the Olymel-branded Chicken Breast Strips, packaged in a 2 x 175 g configuration. Health Canada and the CFIA have listed the identifying UPC as 0 69094 63596 3, with the best-before code reading ‘2026 OC 10’ printed on the packaging. Shoppers in Quebec should look specifically for this code before consuming or discarding the product.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

The recall was launched due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations. According to the CFIA, the recall was triggered by the company itself, and as of the notice date, no illnesses had been reported in connection with consumption of the product. The agency has classified the situation as a Class 1 recall, its highest-risk category, reflecting the potential severity of exposure even in the absence of confirmed cases.

Listeria contamination is particularly concerning because affected food often shows no visible or detectable signs of spoilage. A product can look, smell and taste completely normal while still posing a health hazard, which is why regulatory agencies treat any confirmed or suspected presence of the bacteria with urgency.

Who Should Be Concerned

The recall’s distribution is limited to Quebec, meaning consumers outside the province are unlikely to have purchased the affected batch. However, anyone in Quebec who bought Olymel Chicken Breast Strips matching the listed UPC and best-before date should treat the product as unsafe.

Certain groups face heightened danger from Listeria exposure. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered particularly at risk. Symptoms of listeriosis can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness. In pregnant women, infection may initially present as mild, flu-like symptoms but can progress to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or stillbirth. In severe cases among other vulnerable individuals, the infection can be fatal.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

Health Canada and the CFIA are advising anyone with the recalled product to act right away. Consumers should not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute the item under any circumstances.

• Check your freezer or refrigerator for Olymel Chicken Breast Strips (2 x 175 g) with UPC 0 69094 63596 3 and best-before date ‘2026 OC 10’
• Do not eat, serve, sell or distribute the recalled product
• Throw the product away or return it to the store where it was purchased
• Contact a healthcare provider if you believe you became ill after eating the recalled product

Regulatory Response

The CFIA confirmed it is actively conducting a food safety investigation into the matter, noting that the probe ‘may lead to the recall of other products’ depending on what investigators find. The agency also stated it is verifying that Olymel is properly removing the recalled strips from store shelves and distribution channels across Quebec.

No illnesses linked to the product had been reported at the time the recall was published. The recall carries the identification number RA-82622 and remains classified as a Class 1 food recall warning. Consumers with questions can reach the CFIA’s public enquiries line at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca. Media inquiries can be directed to 613-773-6600 or cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca.

Health Canada encourages anyone wanting ongoing alerts about food safety issues to sign up for recall notifications and to report any related concerns directly to the CFIA.