BC law firm files Canada-wide class action lawsuit against Quaker Oats for recalled products

A recent recall of dozens Quaker Canada products has led to a BC law firm filing a Canada-wide class action lawsuit.

On Jan. 11, Quaker Canada recalled 38 products, including cereals and granola bars, due to potential salmonella contamination.

The recall came after the company issued a similar recall in the USA.

Shortly after the initial recall, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recalled over 30 yogurt and parfait products that had been made with Quaker granola.

On Friday, Vancouver-based Slater Vecchio LLP filed the lawsuit against the The Quaker Oats Company and PepsiCo Canada ULC on behalf of all Canadians who purchased or claim to have fallen ill from consuming contaminated products.

"Canadians trust manufacturers to produce packaged foods that can safely be consumed without the risk of illness from contamination,” Sam Jaworski, a partner at Slater Vecchio LLP, says.

“Through a class action, Canadians can access justice to hold suppliers accountable through strength in numbers, even if it would not be economical to pursue a lawsuit at the individual level."

As of Jan. 19, the CFIA has not received reports of illnesses associated with any of the products.

Another recall related to cantaloupes contaminated with salmonella has killed seven Canadians and resulted in three class action lawsuits being filed in Ontario, Quebec and BC.

Slater Vecchio LLP filed the lawsuit in BC.

“Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” says the CFIA.

“Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections.”

Short-term symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis, the CFIA says.

A full list of the recalled Quaker Oats products can be viewed on the Government of Canada’s website.