Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios: What Canadian Shoppers Need to Know

A Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios is making waves across Canada. Dozens of people have gotten sick in several provinces, and nine individuals have been hospitalized. Health agencies are now urging Canadians to pay close attention to what’s in their cupboards and bakery bags. If pistachios or pistachio-flavoured treats are household favourites, this is news you’ll want to read.

Tracking the Source: Not Just Nuts

The outbreak has been linked to several brands, including Habibi, Dubai, and Al Mokhtar Food Centre. These pistachios showed up in multiple places: bulk nuts, pistachio chocolate bars, and even baked goods at smaller retailers and bakeries. One standout product is the Dubai pistachio chocolate bar, which has gained popularity online. Investigators found salmonella in certain batches of these products, and the recall now affects items mostly sold in Ontario and Quebec, but also distributed online, so the risk isn’t limited to one region. Latest recall information is regularly updated by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

How Risk Spreads Beyond the Snack Aisle

Beyond shelled nuts, recalled pistachios have made their way into pastries and desserts found at local bakeries or cafes. It’s possible to get exposed to Salmonella not just from snacking on nuts or chocolate, but also from a pistachio dessert picked up with your morning coffee. With new products occasionally added to the warning list, health officials are encouraging food business owners to double-check their supplies and recall notices. For more details on the different types of products impacted, see ongoing coverage: CTV News & CBC.

Who’s Getting Sick and What Are the Symptoms?

Salmonella usually leads to symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and fever, often within six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. While most people recover at home, the illness can be more severe for young children, older adults, and those with weaker immune systems. Among the reported cases, about three-quarters have been women, and those sickened range from kids to seniors. If you experience lasting or severe symptoms after eating pistachio products, contact your healthcare provider. Most infections go unreported, so the true scale of the outbreak may be larger than official figures suggest.

What You Should Do

• Check your pantry, fridge, or any treats you’ve recently purchased for recalled pistachio items or chocolate bars.
• If you find a match, toss the product or return it to the store—don’t take chances.
• Wash your hands and any surfaces these foods may have touched.
• Keep watching for new recall alerts as the investigation goes on; more products could get added to the list.

This pistachio salmonella outbreak is a reminder to stay alert when food safety is in question. Checking labels, recall lists, or ingredients is a simple step that can make a difference. If you feel unwell after eating pistachio products, connect with a healthcare provider rather than waiting. Small actions, like sharing this information with friends and family, may help prevent more illnesses. As recall lists can change quickly, keep an eye on public health notices and look after yourself and those around you. Enjoy community stories? Check out our other blog: Mabuhay Philippines Festival 2025: Food, Music, and Culture in Downtown Toronto.

More…

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2025/outbreak-salmonella-infections-pistachios-related-products.html
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/9-in-hospital-with-salmonella-after-consuming-pistachios-and-pistachio-containing-products-public-health-agency-of-canada/
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/pistachio-recall-habibi-al-mokhtar-food-centre-dubai-brand-pistachio-knafeh-milk-chocolate-1.7602045