Consumers are being warned to avoid some Slim-Fast ready-to-drink meal replacements because they may contain bacteria.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the product is in paperboard cartons that hold six steel cans and may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea.

The agency and Unilever Canada say, however, that the probability of serious illness is remote.

The recall involves all Slim-Fast Ready-to-drink shake products in cans, regardless of flavour, best-by date, lot code or UPC number.

No other Slim-Fast products, including powdered shakes or meal and snack bars, are involved in the recall.

Consumers who bought the canned products are urged to discard them immediately and contact Unilever Canada for a full refund.