Supermarkets Colruyt, OKay and Alvo recalled Cayenne Boni Selection/Topaz 40g earlier this month because of possible traces of peanut protein.
During a supplier's control, traces of peanut protein were found in the product, although they are not indicated on the label.
The product has article number 13167 and Lot Number P052817 with a best before date of 7/2018 and Lot Number P057499 with a best before date of 12/2018.
They are safe to consume for non-allergic consumers.
Peanut protein in herbs and spices
A day before, the Belgian Spice Association (BSA) reported Cayenne and Pilli-Pilli powder Picanto Poivre de cayenne 40g (P056497), Interfrost Poivre de cayenne 400g (P057227), Boni Poivre de cayenne 40g (P057499), Horeca Select Poivre de cayenne 400g (P057226) and ISFI Pili-pili 200g (P05681) were affected, according to Belgian Food Safety Agency (AFSCA).
It found the above products may contain peanut protein which is not shown on the label.
The Pilli-Pilli powder came from China and was distributed to Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands, Slovakia, South Korea, UAE and the UK, according to the RASSF portal.
Belgium was also involved in a notification of traces of almond in paprika powder from Spain, which was also distributed to France.
The notification was made in late February after sampling and updated in mid-March with further information from Spain.
Canadian recall
In Canada, NadorInc.is recalling cumin-containing products because they contain almond which is not declared on the label.
The recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results and the agency is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.
People with an allergy to almond should not consume the recalled items which were sold at a retail level nationally.
Developing issue
It is the latest in a string of herbs and spices being recalled for possible nut protein findings.
Bart Ingredients has challenged testing by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) which led it to recall ground cumin at the end of January.
The firm said mahaleb could give a positive reading for almond – further tests are ongoing.
Santa Maria has also been at the centre of the issue, recalling products in the UK, Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
The firm cut ties with its Spanish supplier despite it being unclear how almond proteins were found in a delivery of paprika powder.
It remains unclear whether the contamination is accidental or deliberate.