Undeclared Wheat Prompts Recall of Taeyangcho Gochujang Hot Pepper Paste

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a Class 1 food recall warning for Taeyangcho Gochujang (Hot Pepper Paste) sold in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The warning was published on October 3, 2026 under recall number RA-82728. The recall applies because the products contain wheat that is not declared on the label.

Class 1 is the most serious recall classification in Canada’s system. If you or someone in your household has a wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity, celiac disease or another gluten-related disorder, take a moment to check your fridge and pantry.

Recalled Products at a Glance

Three sizes of the same product are affected. The brand is listed as N/A in the notice because the label shows Korean characters only. The product is sold as Taeyangcho Gochujang (Hot Pepper Paste).

• 170 g – UPC 8 801075 012323
• 500 g – UPC 8 801075 012316
• 1 kg – UPC 8 801075 012620

All three sizes are recalled under the same code description: all codes where wheat is not declared on the label. No individual lot numbers or best-before dates are given, so the UPC and the label are the main ways to identify an affected jar or tub.

What Triggered the Recall

According to the CFIA, the recall was triggered by a consumer complaint. The agency says the affected products are being removed from the marketplace because they contain wheat that is not declared on the label.

Wheat is a priority food allergen in Canada, and it is also a source of gluten. When it is not listed on a label, people who must avoid it have no way of knowing the product is unsafe for them. Gochujang is a fermented chili paste used in marinades, stews, dipping sauces and rice dishes, so a single container may end up in many meals over time.

The CFIA reports that no reactions have been associated with consumption of these products so far.

Who Should Be Concerned

The notice lists Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan as the distribution area. The recalling firm is HYMS Trading Ltd. The notice does not name specific retailers, so shoppers in those provinces who bought Korean or specialty grocery items should check what they have at home.

The health warning applies to two groups in particular:

• People who are allergic or sensitive to wheat
• People with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders

For these consumers, the CFIA warns that eating the recalled products may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction. People without wheat or gluten concerns are not described as being at risk from the missing label declaration.

What Consumers Need to Do Now

The CFIA lists the following steps for anyone who may have the product:

• Check whether you have any of the recalled Taeyangcho Gochujang products, using the size and UPC codes above.
• Do not consume the product if you are allergic or sensitive to wheat, or if you have celiac disease or another gluten-related disorder.
• Do not serve, use, sell or distribute the recalled products.
• Throw the product out, or return it to the location where it was purchased.

If you have already eaten the product and feel unwell, seek medical advice. The notice does not give a refund process or company contact details, so ask the store where you bought it about returns.

Regulatory Response

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. The agency is also verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace. The notice is published through the Government of Canada’s recalls and safety alerts site, with Health Canada and the CFIA named as publishers.

For more information, the CFIA’s public enquiries line is 1-613-773-2342 (local or international), and its email is information@inspection.gc.ca. Media enquiries can go to 613-773-6600 or cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca. Consumers can also sign up for email recall notifications through the Government of Canada recalls site, or report a food safety or labelling concern to the CFIA.

Quick Facts

• Recall number: RA-82728 (CFIA ID 17587)
• Recall class: Class 1
• Issue: Undeclared wheat (gluten)
• Cause: Consumer complaint
• Recalling firm: HYMS Trading Ltd.
• Distribution: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan
• Reactions reported: None

Undeclared allergens are among the most common reasons for food recalls in Canada, and checking labels remains the best defence for people with food allergies. If you rely on ingredient lists to stay safe, treat any jar of Taeyangcho Gochujang that matches these UPCs as unsafe until you have confirmed otherwise.