A Salmonella outbreak linked to multiple brands of pistachios and products with pistachios has affected 52 people across four Canadian provinces, with nine of those requiring hospitalization.
Background
Those affected so far include 39 people in Quebec, 9 in Ontario, 3 in British Columbia, and 1 in Manitoba. Most of those who became ill reportedly consumed pistachios and products with pistachios in them. Most cases occurred between early March and mid-July 2025.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued the following recalls to date:
- Habibi-brand pistachio kernel recalled due to Salmonella
- Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand pistachio recalled due to Salmonella
- Dubai-brand pistachio & knafeh milk chocolate recalled due to Salmonella
As with all food recalls, the impacted products could have made their way to other geographic locations. The contaminated products were sold through various channels in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec and the Dubai-brand chocolate was also sold online. The recall notice also said the impacted pistachios could have been used in baked goods.
As of August 5, 2025, this investigation is still active.
Outbreak Details
- Illnesses – 52
- Location of Sick People
- Quebec – 39 sick people
- Ontario – 9 sick people
- British Columbia – 3 sick people
- Manitoba – 1 sick person
- Hospitalizations – 9
- Deaths – 0
- Gender
- 75% female
- 25% male
- Age Range – 2 years of age to 89 years of age
Timeline
The first date of illness was reported on March 2, 2025 with additional cases growing over the following two months. The last reported onset of illness was a case reported on July 13, 2025.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Salmonella represents a significant foodborne bacterial infection that can spread for days or weeks after initial exposure, even in asymptomatic individuals. The infection poses particular dangers to vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, potentially causing severe or fatal complications.
Healthy individuals typically experience short-term symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms can develop within hours to several days after consuming contaminated food products.
Public Health Response
Canadian health authorities are continuing to monitor the outbreak while they investigate the contamination source.
Leading nationwide Salmonella law firm Ron Simon & Associates, says that consumers who have consumed the recalled pistachios and pistachio products and experience symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention promptly.
