Québec Alerts to Undeclared Gluten in Foods

December 6, 2008

The Québec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has alerted consumers in that province to the undeclared presence of gluten in specific foods labeled as SANS GLUTEN (i.e., "gluten-free"). 

Solution Saveur Santé, Inc. (3773, rue du Campanile, Québec, QC). All products sold up to and including December 5, 2008 may contain undeclared gluten and have been recalled. One case of gluten intolerance linked to a product purchased at this location has been reported.

Boucherie Jacques Saint-Pierre (103, 23e Rue, Saint-Rédempteur, QC). All Boucherie Jacques-Saint-Pierre brand products sold up to and including December 5, 2008 may declare undeclared gluten and have been recalled. The items were sold at the indicated location, in addition to other retail stores in the province. One case of gluten intolerance linked to a Boucherie Jacques-Saint-Pierre product has been reported.

Gluten intolerance is not an allergic reaction. In sensitive individuals, eating even a small amount of a food that contains gluten produces an immune system reaction resulting in an inflammation of the small intestine. Symptoms – including diarrhea and abdominal pain, among others – range from very mild to severe. 

Individuals who are gluten-intolerant and have purchased one of these products should discard the product or return it to the store for a refund.