Rossdown Meal Starters Black Garlic Chicken Recalled for Undeclared Soy: CFIA

Consumers with a soy allergy who have Rossdown Farms & Natural Foods brand Meal Starters Black Garlic Chicken Breast products in their fridge or freezer are being urged to check their labels immediately. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed that several of the brand’s chicken products contain undeclared soy, a hidden allergen that can trigger serious, potentially life-threatening reactions in sensitive individuals.

The recall was issued on September 5, 2026, and covers three separate Meal Starters items distributed nationally across Canada through retail channels. The recalling firm is listed as Rossdown Natural Foods Ltd., and the notice was published by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under identification number RA-82605.

Recalled Products at a Glance

The recall applies to the following Rossdown Farms & Natural Foods branded items:

• ‘Meal Starters Black Garlic Chicken Breast’ — 350 g — UPC 6 28000 60073 2 — codes 2461263, 2461267, 2461277
• ‘Meal Starters Black Garlic Chicken Breast Chunks’ — 840 g — UPC 6 28000 60094 7 — codes 2461263, 2461272
• ‘Meal Starters Black Garlic Chicken Breast Skewers’ — 350 g — UPC 6 28000 60032 9 — codes 2461266, 2461267, 2461270

Consumers should check the UPC and code printed on the package against the list above, since product with matching codes should not be consumed regardless of where or when it was purchased.

What Triggered the Recall

According to the CFIA notice, the issue is classified as a food allergen concern involving soy that was not declared on the product label. Undeclared allergens are among the most common triggers for food recalls because packaging that fails to list an ingredient leaves allergic consumers with no way to protect themselves before eating the product.

The recall has been designated a Class 2 recall by the CFIA, a category used when a product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious harm is remote. For people with a diagnosed soy allergy, however, even trace undeclared amounts can be enough to cause a reaction ranging from hives and digestive upset to more severe symptoms requiring medical attention.

Who Should Be Concerned

The affected Meal Starters products were distributed nationally, meaning they could be sitting on store shelves or in home refrigerators anywhere across Canada. Anyone who has purchased Rossdown Farms & Natural Foods branded Black Garlic Chicken Breast, Chunks, or Skewers products in recent weeks should treat this as a direct alert, especially households where a family member manages a soy allergy or sensitivity.

Retailers that received the affected lots are expected to pull the products from sale, and the CFIA notice specifically instructs the retail audience not to use, sell, serve or distribute any of the listed items.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

If you have any of the recalled Meal Starters Black Garlic Chicken Breast products at home, do not eat them. Check the package for the matching UPC and product code, and if it corresponds to the recall list, discard the product or return it to the place of purchase.

Consumers who are unsure whether their product is affected, or who have questions about the recall, can contact the CFIA’s public enquiries line at 1-613-773-2342 or by email at information@inspection.gc.ca. Anyone who experiences a reaction after consuming the product should seek medical advice and report the incident to their healthcare provider.

Regulatory Response

The recall notice was published by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, working alongside Health Canada, and remains active as of the last update on September 11, 2026. The agency has classified the distribution as national and the audience as retail, underscoring the broad reach of the affected products.

The CFIA continues to monitor the effectiveness of the recall and has indicated that further updates will be issued if additional information becomes available. Media inquiries related to the recall can be directed to CFIA media relations at 613-773-6600 or cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca.