Dollarama RECALL: Product pulled from shelves in Canada over mould concerns

We’ve just learned that a snack many of us might have picked up at Dollarama isn’t quite as safe as it seemed. On October 16, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published a nationwide recall notice. The item in question is the Biskwi “Waffles with Chocolaty Filling” (180 g, UPC 6 67888 54812 5), sold across Canada through Dollarama stores. The reason? Evidence of mould contamination. Even though the risk is classed as low, this recall shows that snack foods in discount retailers still require our attention. We’ll explore exactly what happened, why it matters, how Dollarama and the regulators responded, and what big lessons we can take away about food safety and consumer trust.

Product & Recall Details

Product description

The product flagged is Biskwi brand Waffles with Chocolaty Filling. It comes in a 180 g package and was sold by Dollarama nationwide. The UPC code is 6 67888 54812 5. The best-before dates are April 21, 2026 and May 12, 2026.

Recall announcement & classification.

The CFIA published the recall on October 16, 2025, although the recall date listed is October 10, 2025. The recall is classified as Class 3, which means it is a “low risk”, more about quality/spoilage than severe health hazard. The issue is listed as “microbial contamination,  non-harmful (quality or spoilage)”. The distribution is national, meaning consumer risks span all Canadian provinces. The recalling firm is Dollarama L.P.

Risk & Impact on Consumers

Although the classification is Class 3 (low risk), the presence of mould in a sealed snack product still raises important concerns. When we buy packaged goods, especially from discount stores, we assume they meet basic safety and quality standards. This recall shakes that assumption a bit. Mould in food may not always cause serious illness,  but it can. People with allergies, mould sensitivities, or weakened immune systems could be more vulnerable. Even for healthy consumers, the idea of eating a mouldy snack undermines trust in the product.

From a broader perspective, the impact on consumer behaviour is significant. If shoppers feel uneasy about what they buy at discount retailers, they might avoid similar products in the future. That could drive changes in purchasing patterns and put pressure on brands and stores to step up quality control.

Moreover, for Dollarama, the recall means more than just removing one product. It may mean added cost, lost inventory, disruption in supply chains, and reputational damage. Given the nationwide scope of this recall, the scale of oversight and response required is large.

Company and Regulatory Response

Dollarama has publicised the recall via their recall web-page, which states: “consumer product safety is our first and foremost priority.” Their website also provides guidance like “if the product you purchased is part of a recall, contact our customer service” and shares how sales terminals are blocked for recalled items, to prevent further sale.

On the regulatory side, the CFIA’s role is to monitor and communicate the recall details. The recall alert lists full product details, reason for recall, classification, distribution, and instructs retailers and consumers to “do not use, sell, serve or distribute the affected product.” Dollarama, as the retailer/importer/recalling firm, has a responsibility to execute removal of product, inform suppliers, and ensure point-of-sale blocks are in place.

The speed and transparency of the response matter. In this case, the recall was announced publicly, product details were made available, and the channel (recall notice) is accessible online. That transparency helps maintain some trust. But it’s also a reminder that even large retailers can face these issues, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance.

Broader Context & Lessons

Let’s zoom out and look at what this recall tells us. First, why did mould contamination happen? While the recall notice doesn’t state a specific cause, we know in general that mould can appear due to factors like poor packaging seal, humidity during storage, inadequate transport conditions, or extended shelf life beyond what the manufacturing process intended. Discount-priced food items often rely on very tight margins; any lapse in the supply chain or storage could tip quality.

Second, the supply chain issue: Dollar stores like Dollarama often carry many imported products, have high turnover, and operate with thin margins. Ensuring quality at every step, from supplier to warehouse to store shelf, is challenging. This recall highlights that complexity. A failure at any point can lead to recalls.

Third, the recall classification system gives us useful context. The CFIA’s Class 1 is highest risk, Class 2 is moderate, and Class 3 is lowest (quality/spoilage issues). Knowing that this recall is Class 3 tells consumers the risk of serious harm is low, but it does not mean “ignore it”.

Fourth, for consumers: we should be aware that even “low cost” snacks from discount retailers come with risks. We should check packaging, best-before dates, and trust that if something smells off or looks wrong we don’t have to eat it. For retailers, this is a reminder that product safety and quality control must be priorities regardless of price point.

Lastly, the takeaway: food safety is a shared responsibility. The manufacturer needs to ensure safe production. The retailer needs to maintain safe storage, handling and recall readiness. The regulator needs to monitor and inform. And the consumer needs to stay alert and informed. When all work together, the system works. When there’s a breakdown, like this recall, we see how quickly trust can be shaken.

Conclusion

In short, the “Dollarama Recall” involving Biskwi Waffles with Chocolaty Filling is a reminder that product safety issues can happen anywhere, even in discount stores. The recall of this snack due to mould contamination may be classified as low risk, but it still signals important concerns about quality, storage, supply chain control and consumer trust. As shoppers we should remain vigilant. As retailers and manufacturers, the event underscores the need for rigorous safety and quality checks. And as regulators, clear and timely communication remains vital.

Ultimately, even though this incident might be seen as a minor one in terms of health risk, it’s a major one in terms of message: we must all stay alert, informed and proactive when it comes to food and snack safety.

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This content is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always conduct your research.