Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios Sickens Dozens Across Canada

A widespread Salmonella outbreak tied to pistachios and pistachio-containing products has health officials urging Canadians to check their pantries. As of August 5, 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed 52 cases of Salmonella infections across four provinces, with nine hospitalizations and no reported deaths. The outbreak, linked to brands like Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Dubai, has sparked recalls and heightened concerns about food safety, particularly for vulnerable groups. Here’s the full story on this unfolding public health issue.

Outbreak Overview: Scope and Impact

The Salmonella outbreak, caused by strains Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka, has affected individuals aged 2 to 89, with 75% of cases involving women. Quebec has been hit hardest, reporting 39 cases, followed by Ontario with nine, British Columbia with three, and Manitoba with one. Illnesses emerged between early March and mid-July 2025, with PHAC noting that more cases may surface due to a 15-to-55-day reporting lag between symptom onset and confirmation.

PHAC estimates the true number of cases is significantly higher, as many individuals with mild symptoms may not seek medical attention. Researchers suggest that for every reported Salmonella case, approximately 26 go unreported, indicating the outbreak’s reach could extend beyond the confirmed figures. The outbreak is not limited to the four provinces, as the implicated products were distributed primarily in Ontario and Quebec, with some, like Dubai’s pistachio and knafeh milk chocolate bars, available for purchase online nationwide.

Contaminated Products: Pistachios and Beyond

The outbreak has been traced to pistachios and products containing them, including bulk and packaged pistachios and specialty items like Dubai-style chocolate. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued recall warnings for specific products from three brands:

• Habibi brand Pistachio Kernel: Testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka in samples, directly linking these pistachios to the outbreak. These were sold to hotels, restaurants, and institutions, increasing the risk of exposure in commercial settings.
• Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand Pistachio: Recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination, these pistachios were distributed in Ontario and Quebec.
• Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate: This viral chocolate bar, filled with pistachio cream and crunchy knafeh, gained fame through social media reviews but is now under recall due to its link to the outbreak. It was sold in Quebec and available online, broadening its reach.

Additionally, Nut Works Canada recalled its raw whole pistachios in November 2024 after CFIA tests detected Salmonella, though it’s unclear if this is directly tied to the current outbreak. The CFIA warns that recalled pistachios may have been used in baked goods, such as cakes or pastries, sold without original packaging, making it harder for consumers to identify affected products. PHAC advises asking bakeries about ingredient sources before purchasing pistachio-based items.

Health Risks and Symptoms

Salmonella, a foodborne bacterial illness, typically causes symptoms within 6 to 72 hours of exposure, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches. While most people recover without treatment, the infection can be severe or even fatal for children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Infected individuals can spread Salmonella for days to weeks after exposure, even without symptoms, posing a risk to others.

The nine hospitalizations underscore the outbreak’s severity, particularly in Quebec, where the majority of cases are concentrated. PHAC emphasizes that contaminated food may not look, smell, or taste spoiled, making it critical for consumers to heed recall warnings.

Consumer and Industry Response

Health Canada and the CFIA have issued urgent advisories, instructing consumers, retailers, distributors, and food service establishments to avoid consuming, serving, selling, or distributing recalled products. Canadians are urged to:

• Check for recalled products by reviewing brand names, sizes, UPC codes, and lot numbers on the CFIA’s Recalls and Safety Alerts website.
• Discard or return recalled items to the place of purchase.
• Avoid cooking for others if experiencing symptoms or recently diagnosed with Salmonella to prevent further spread.

Businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, bakeries, and cafes, are advised to verify their inventory and ensure no recalled products are sold or used. The CFIA notes that additional recalls may follow as the investigation continues, with other potential sources of contamination still under review.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

This outbreak is the second active Salmonella investigation in Canada, alongside a separate outbreak linked to deli meats that has sickened 88 people in western and central Canada. The two are unrelated, involving different Salmonella strains. The pistachio outbreak highlights ongoing challenges in food safety, particularly with products like nuts and chocolate, which have been linked to previous recalls in Canada, including tahini, salami, and eggs.

The popularity of Dubai’s pistachio and knafeh milk chocolate, fueled by social media buzz, may have contributed to the outbreak’s spread, as its online availability extended its reach beyond Ontario and Quebec. PHAC and CFIA are working to identify additional sources, with ongoing testing and case reporting expected to provide further clarity.

What Canadians Should Do

Canadians are encouraged to stay vigilant and monitor for symptoms, especially if they’ve consumed pistachios or pistachio-containing products recently. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and inform their doctors of possible exposure, as special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. High-risk groups, including young children, pregnant people, and seniors, should take extra precautions.

For the latest updates, visit the CFIA’s Recalls and Safety Alerts website or PHAC’s public health notices. As the investigation unfolds, consumers are reminded that food safety is a shared responsibility, and prompt action can prevent further illnesses.

Why It Matters

This Salmonella outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the hidden risks in everyday foods. With 52 confirmed cases, nine hospitalizations, and potentially hundreds more unreported, the outbreak underscores the importance of robust food safety measures and swift public health responses. As Canadians enjoy popular treats like pistachio-filled chocolates, staying informed and cautious can make all the difference in protecting health and preventing further spread.

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