In early August 2025, Canadian authorities issued a serious recall affecting certain Andalos brand pastries due to possible Salmonella contamination. The move came amid a broader outbreak linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products, which have been tied to dozens of illnesses across the country.
The Recall at a Glance
On August 7, 2025, Boulangerie Andalos Inc., the manufacturer of Andalos pastries, initiated a recall after the Public Health Agency of Canada traced a spate of Salmonella cases to pistachio-based baked goods.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) subsequently issued an official recall notice targeting multiple Andalos-branded products, as well as similar items lacking clear branding, due to their inclusion of pistachios.
Recalled items include:
- Andalos Baklavas Rectangles (48-piece containers; UPC 7 74005 00520 8; codes: 17725, 17825, 18125, 18425, 19025, 19125, 19525, 19725, 19825)
- Andalos Baklavas Triangles (48-piece containers; UPC 7 74005 00024 1; code: 18425)
- Andalos Baklava (225 g packages; UPC 7 74005 00901 5; code: 19725)
- Additional items sold without UPCs, such as Baklava Pistachio Wardah, Baklava Pistachio Burma, Baklava Esh Al Bolbol Pistachio, Baklava Aswara Pistachio, Baklava Losange, Knafeh Ashta, Knafeh Nabulseyeh, Qatayef (small), Znoud El Sett, Cheaibiyet, and the Andalos Baklava Catering Tray (35 pieces).
These products were distributed both online and in retail stores across New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, including a Boulangerie Andalos location at 350 Lebeau Boulevard in Saint-Laurent, Quebec.
Scope of the Outbreak
Health officials report that as of early August, 52 people have fallen ill and nine have been hospitalized due to this outbreak, which also implicates other pistachio products beyond the pastries. The illness affects mainly populations vulnerable to severe infection, such as children, pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems. Authorities expect that more Salmonella cases may be reported in the coming weeks, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance.
Why Pistachios?
Investigation findings have identified pistachios as the likely contamination source, prompting a wave of related recalls across Canada in recent weeks, including certain pistachio kernels and pistachio-containing chocolate bars.
Contaminated nuts are concerning because they can spread pathogens without alarming consumers, there’s often no visible or olfactory indication of danger.
What Should Consumers Do?
If you have purchased any of the affected pastries:
- Do not eat them.
- Return them to the place of purchase for a refund, or dispose of them securely.
If you’ve consumed any of these products:
- Monitor your health for Salmonella symptoms over the next week, those typically include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
- If symptoms arise, seek medical attention promptly.
Understanding Salmonella Risks
Salmonella infection can range from mild discomfort to serious, life-threatening illness especially in vulnerable populations. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Salmonella may have severe consequences for children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms typically begin 6 to 72 hours after exposure and usually resolve within 4 to 7 days, though complications can require hospitalization or extend symptoms longer.
Broader Food Safety Considerations
This recall underscores how ingredient contamination, even in high-heat processes like baking, can pose threats if cross-contamination or pre-processing contamination occurs. Nuts, often added after initial cooking or incorporated via contaminated facility lines, can reintroduce pathogens.
The outbreak also highlights the importance of robust supply-chain checks, ingredient testing, and food safety vigilance, especially when handling high-risk ingredients like nuts.
Final Note
The Andalos pastry recall illustrates how beloved treats can unexpectedly turn dangerous when contaminated ingredients slip through the cracks. With dozens of illnesses already reported and more possibly on the horizon, Canadian officials urge consumers to heed recall notices and prioritize food safety, both in the kitchen and at the grocery counter.
If you find any of the recalled items, don’t taste them, treat them as potentially toxic. Your health, and that of particularly vulnerable loved ones, depends on caution and immediate response.
