Food recall warning: Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder

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York Region is again reminding residents and businesses of a food recall warning after recently receiving a report of a York Region resident being hospitalized due to a suspected aconite exposure. This exposure is suspected to be a result of the accidental consumption of the same contaminated product responsible for 11 cases of severe illness in York Region residents in August 2022.

Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder (sand ginger powder) was recalled on September 1, 2022, due to aconite contamination. The recalled product is toxic and can cause severe illness and death if not treated immediately and should not be consumed, used, sold, served or distributed.

Last month, York Region, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Ministry of Health worked with the product supplier to ensure the product was removed from food establishments and grocery stores. York Region Public Health has confirmed the product was not distributed or sold following the initial recall.

York Region once again strongly urges any residents and businesses to review the contents of their kitchens to ensure they do not have any of this product and to dispose of it immediately, if found.

What to look for

What you should do 

• Check to see if you have Mr. Right brand Keampferia Galanga Powder in your kitchen and if you have it, dispose of it in your garbage immediately. Do not open the package or pour the contents out. Wear gloves while you are handling the product if possible. After placing the product in the garbage wash your hands thoroughly
• The recalled product is toxic and can cause severe illness and death if not treated immediately
• Food contaminated with aconite may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick
• If you have consumed the recalled product and are experiencing symptoms (which can occur within minutes after consumption), seek immediate medical attention
• Symptoms of aconite poisoning can include numbness to lips, face and extremities, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and weakness; these symptoms usually appear within minutes to hours of consumption
• Share this message with friends and family who may have this or a similar spice at home
• Individuals can contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. if they have any questions