Health Canada has issued a recall for two lots of BonBon Turkish Delight – Lokum edible cannabis products sold in Ontario due to mould contamination. The recall affects 587 units of the product that were sold through authorized retailers from December 1, 2023 to February 8, 2024.
What is the product and the hazard?
The product is BonBon Turkish Delight – Lokum edible cannabis, manufactured by WellCann Intl. Inc. It is a soft candy infused with cannabis extract. The product comes in a package of two pieces, each weighing 15 grams, for a total of 30 grams per package.
The hazard is that the product may contain mould, which can pose a risk of gastrointestinal symptoms and infections in consumers with compromised immune systems. Mould ingestion can also cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and nausea in some people.
How did the recall happen?
The recall was initiated by WellCann Intl. Inc. after receiving one complaint regarding the recalled lots. The complaint did not involve an adverse reaction. The company notified Health Canada and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) of the issue and voluntarily recalled the product.
Health Canada confirmed the presence of mould in the product through laboratory testing and issued a recall notice on February 15, 2024. Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to the recalled lots.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the retailer where it was purchased, or dispose of it safely and out of the reach of children and young persons. Consumers who have used the product and have any health concerns should consult their health care provider.
Health Canada also advises consumers to report any health or safety complaints related to the use of this cannabis product or any other cannabis product by filling out the online complaint form.
What are the implications of the recall?
The recall is a reminder of the importance of quality control and safety standards for cannabis products, especially edibles, which are relatively new to the legal market. Edibles are subject to strict regulations under the Cannabis Act, which include limits on THC content, packaging, labelling, and testing requirements.
However, as the recall shows, there is still room for improvement and vigilance in ensuring that cannabis products are safe and compliant. Consumers should always check the labels and expiry dates of cannabis products before purchasing and consuming them, and report any issues or concerns to the authorities.
The recall is also a setback for WellCann Intl. Inc., which is a licensed producer and processor of cannabis products based in Ontario. The company offers a variety of edibles, beverages, oils, and topicals under its BonBon brand. The company has not issued any public statement regarding the recall or its impact on its business.
