Why is Himalayan salt being recalled?

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

In early 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and other international bodies issued recalls for specific batches of Himalayan salt products. These recalls were initiated due to contamination with foreign materials, primarily pieces of plastic. The incident has raised significant concern among consumers about the safety of Himalayan salt, which has long been praised for its purported health benefits and purity.

Quick Summary

Several brands of Himalayan pink salt have been recalled due to the detection of foreign materials, such as plastic fragments, found during manufacturing or processing. These events highlight the potential for contamination in natural products and the importance of stringent food safety regulations. Consumers should check specific batch codes to determine if their products are affected by a recall, as not all Himalayan salt is considered unsafe.

Key Points

Recent Recalls: Specific batches of Himalayan salt from brands like President's Choice and Cape Herb & Spice were recalled in early 2025.
Cause of Recall: The recalls were due to contamination with foreign materials, primarily plastic fragments, introduced during processing or packaging.
Contamination Risks: Beyond plastics, some studies have detected heavy metals like lead and aluminum in certain pink salt samples, though usually within regulatory limits.
Not All Salt Affected: The recalls were specific to certain brands and batch codes; not all Himalayan salt is subject to these issues.
Consumer Action: Consumers should check product batch codes against official recall notices and consider purchasing third-party tested products to ensure purity.
Manufacturing Integrity: The recalls highlight the importance of robust quality control and manufacturing processes in the food industry, even for natural products.
Health Context: While trace minerals give Himalayan salt its color, they do not provide significant nutritional benefits and can be accompanied by heavy metal traces.

Plastic Contamination: The Primary Driver of Recent Recalls

The most prominent reason for recent recalls of Himalayan salt is the confirmed presence of foreign matter, specifically plastic fragments, in packaged products. Food regulatory bodies, including the CFIA in Canada and the MPI in New Zealand, issued alerts advising consumers not to use or consume the affected batches. These plastic pieces were likely introduced during the packaging or manufacturing process, indicating a breakdown in quality control within the supply chain. The specific recalls in early 2025 included President's Choice Himalayan Pink Rock Salts in Canada and Cape Herb & Spice Himalayan Pink Salt in New Zealand. The severity of the recalls was classified based on potential health risks, with most being a Class III, meaning the health risk was considered unlikely.

Where Did the Plastic Come From?

The contamination with plastic points to several possible points of failure in the production pipeline:

Processing Equipment: The use of plastic-based equipment during the grinding, sorting, or packaging of the salt could introduce small fragments into the final product.
Sourcing and Transportation: While mined salt is naturally free of plastic, it can be contaminated during handling or transport if it comes into contact with plastic packaging or containers.
Packaging Materials: Errors in the manufacturing or sealing of the final plastic containers could lead to small pieces breaking off and mixing with the salt.
Environmental Factors: For sea salts, microplastic contamination from ocean pollution is a well-documented issue. However, in the case of mined Himalayan salt, the plastic source is more likely related to industrial processes.

Concerns Over Heavy Metals and Other Impurities

Beyond plastic, broader concerns about Himalayan salt have focused on potential heavy metal contamination. Himalayan salt is unrefined and contains trace minerals that give it its distinctive pink color. While many of these minerals are harmless, research has indicated that some pink salt samples can contain traces of heavy metals like lead, aluminum, and cadmium. A 2020 study, led by Nutrition Research Australia, tested 31 pink salt samples and found that those with higher levels of trace minerals also had higher concentrations of heavy metals. While the levels in most cases were below regulatory limits, one sample in the Australian study exceeded the national maximum level for lead, raising public health concerns. Chronic exposure to low levels of heavy metals can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The Importance of Third-Party Testing

To mitigate these risks, reputable salt brands should engage in third-party testing to verify the purity and safety of their products. This involves sending samples to independent laboratories to be screened for heavy metals, microplastics, and other contaminants. Consumers can look for brands that provide transparency regarding their testing procedures and openly share their results. The presence of a third-party certification is a strong indicator of a brand's commitment to quality and safety, providing a level of assurance that is often absent in the broader market for unrefined salts.

Comparison of Recalled Himalayan Salt and Third-Party Tested Brands


Feature	Recalled Himalayan Salt (Example: President's Choice)	Third-Party Tested Himalayan Salt (Reputable Brands)
Purity	Found to contain foreign matter, such as plastic fragments.	Regularly tested to be free of contaminants like plastics and heavy metals.
Quality Control	Breakdown in manufacturing or packaging process led to contamination.	Rigorous quality assurance processes with external verification.
Transparency	Recall initiated by a regulatory body in response to consumer complaints or testing.	Proactively publishes lab results and certifications for consumer review.
Price Point	Varies widely, but potential for hidden risks and recalls.	Often commands a premium due to guaranteed safety and purity.
Consumer Risk	Risk of ingesting plastic and other impurities, albeit low in some cases.	Minimized risk due to verified low levels of contaminants and impurities.

Not All Himalayan Salt Is Being Recalled

It is crucial to understand that not all Himalayan salt is being recalled. The recalls issued in early 2025 specifically targeted certain brands and batch codes identified by regulatory agencies. Consumers should always check their product's packaging and compare it to the specific recall information provided by food safety authorities. These events serve as a reminder that natural products are not immune to contamination risks, and regulatory oversight is essential to ensure consumer safety. Choosing products from reputable brands that can provide transparency about their sourcing and testing procedures is the most reliable approach for consumers concerned about purity.

Conclusion: Consumer Vigilance is Key

The recent recalls of Himalayan salt are a result of foreign material contamination, such as plastic fragments, identified in specific product batches. These incidents do not mean all Himalayan salt is unsafe, but they highlight the vulnerability of even natural food products to lapses in manufacturing and packaging controls. Beyond plastics, ongoing research raises concerns about the potential for low levels of heavy metal contamination in some pink salt varieties. To navigate these risks, consumers should prioritize purchasing from brands that demonstrate transparency through third-party lab testing and provide detailed sourcing information. Staying informed about specific product recalls and being vigilant about the source of your food items empowers you to make safer choices in an increasingly complex food supply chain. For further information on specific recalls, you can always check government food safety websites like the one maintained by the Canadian government.

Canada.ca: President's Choice Brand Himalayan Pink Rock Salts Recalled

What should you do if you own a recalled product?

If you have a recalled product, you should not consume it. Check the batch code on your package against the recall notice from the food safety agency. Follow the recall instructions, which typically involve returning the item to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you have already consumed the product and have health concerns, consult a medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Himalayan salt is being recalled. The recalls apply only to specific brands and batch codes identified by food safety authorities, such as President's Choice and Cape Herb & Spice in early 2025.

The primary reason for the recent recalls was the discovery of foreign materials, specifically pieces of plastic, in the packaged salt products. The contamination likely occurred during the manufacturing or packaging process.

Some studies have found trace amounts of heavy metals, such as lead and aluminum, in pink salt samples. While typically within safe levels, one study in Australia found a sample that exceeded the national contaminant limit for lead.

If you have a recalled product, you should not consume it. Check the batch code against the recall notice and follow the specific instructions, which often advise returning it to the place of purchase for a refund.

To ensure your salt is safe, check for third-party testing certifications on the packaging or manufacturer's website. Reputable brands often publish lab results detailing their product's purity and safety.

While often marketed as pure due to its source, some Himalayan salt has been found to contain microplastics, indicating potential contamination during handling or processing. Independent testing can help verify if a product is free from these contaminants.

While Himalayan salt contains trace minerals that give it color, these are not present in significant enough quantities to offer greater health benefits than regular iodized table salt. Additionally, relying on it for minerals can increase sodium intake above recommended levels.