Canada is closely monitoring the situation with ground cinnamon and canned meat products following recent recalls and food safety warnings in the United States.

In a video interview with CTVNews.ca on Thursday from Ottawa, Megan Griffin, a food safety recall specialist at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), said, "The United States has not notified us that products have been shipped here."

Recall of ground cinnamon and canned meats from markets

Americans were notified of a recall of canned meat and poultry products from Boar's Head Provisions Co. after a sample of liver sausage collected in Maryland tested positive for Listeria bacteria.

U.S. officials are currently investigating an outbreak of illness linked to sliced pork products sold in ready-to-eat food stores in 13 states, resulting in 34 illnesses and two deaths as of July 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. also issued warnings earlier this week regarding nine brands of ground cinnamon products, advising companies to voluntarily recall them due to potential contamination from "elevated levels of lead".

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not reported any illnesses so far, but it advises consumers to dispose of cinnamon products or avoid purchasing them.

What might lead to a food safety investigation?

Recalls do not currently affect Canada, but the country has a process for addressing food safety concerns.

If there is any reason to believe that food may be unsafe, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will investigate to determine whether a recall is necessary.

The agency wrote on its website: "At any point in the production system, food can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, chemicals, undeclared allergens, or materials such as glass or metal fragments."

A suspected or confirmed outbreak of foodborne illness, a food test result, or inspection or audit results from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency can trigger an investigation and may lead to a recall. Other triggers include complaints, recalls in another country, company-initiated recalls, news media or social media reports, and warnings from Canadian or international authorities and organizations.

How are recalls carried out?

While the U.S. and Canada have different requirements and standards regarding food safety and recall procedures, Griffin stated that the two countries work closely together when concerns arise.

One of the first steps will be for the United States or another country to notify Canada of an issue.

Griffin said, "So in the United States, when they have a recall, they notify us right away if some of that product has been exported here to Canada, and vice versa for Canada."

She stated that under Canadian food safety regulations, companies must notify the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of any recalls, whether they heard from a U.S. agency or authorities or suppliers.

She explained, "So we'll find out from various sources whether there is actual distribution here."

If Canadian officials determine that there is a health risk or contamination in the country, they will investigate the root cause and where the potentially unsafe food was distributed, such as whether it reached an importer, retailer, or consumer.

Is food recall mandatory?

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, most food recalls in Canada are voluntary. This means that the company carries out the recall under the supervision of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, "Effectively removing recalled foods from the market is the responsibility of the industry."

If a company does not voluntarily recall food, the Canadian Minister of Health can order a mandatory recall of all food items that pose a health risk, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

What safety experts say needs to be done

While there are no current concerns in Canada regarding the affected ground cinnamon and canned meat products, Griffin advises Canadians shopping in the U.S. to exercise caution.

She said, "If they do a lot of cross-border shopping or even online shopping, they should keep in mind that the food they may get from elsewhere... might not meet the same requirements we have here in Canada."

She suggests checking the U.S. government's website for product recall and public health alert information.

In Canada, the public can find more information and receive notifications about product recalls and safety alerts on the Canadian government's website.