Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachio Cream
In mid‑June 2025, U.S. public health authorities issued warnings about a multistate Salmonella Oranienburg outbreak linked to Emek‑brand pistachio cream, a shelf‑stable nut butter imported from Turkey. As of June 13, four people across Minnesota and New Jersey fell ill, with one hospitalization and no deaths reported. All four patients had consumed pistachio cream, three of them at the same restaurant, prompting swift investigation and public health action by the CDC and FDA.
Confirming the Source
The outbreak was traced to Emek‑brand pistachio cream, specifically products with a use‑by date of October 19, 2026, and production code PNO: 241019. The product, sold in 5‑kilogram (11‑lb) tubs, is marketed wholesale to restaurants and food‑service operations across the U.S.
Genetic testing through whole‑genome sequencing (WGS) linked patient samples to Salmonella‑contaminated cream found in a restaurant setting. The FDA is actively investigating distribution routes to determine if other lots or products were affected.
Public Health Response
On June 13, 2025, the CDC and FDA jointly issued consumer and industry alerts urging retailers, distributors, and restaurants to immediately stop selling, serving, or distributing Emek pistachio cream matching the specified date and production code.
They also recommended thorough cleaning and sanitizing of any surfaces or utensils that may have contacted the product to prevent cross‑contamination. No formal recall was initiated at the time, but the agencies said the investigation continued to determine if additional lots or related products were affected .
For consumers, the CDC advised vigilance for common Salmonella symptoms, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, typically appearing between 6 hours and 6 days post‑exposure. Those experiencing severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, high fever, or dehydration were urged to contact their healthcare provider.
Implications for Food Safety
This outbreak underscores several critical lessons for food safety:
- Global import vulnerabilities: Products sourced internationally, like pistachio cream from Turkey, pose risks due to variability in overseas agricultural and processing standards. U.S. agencies must enhance surveillance, including random sampling and WGS tracking, at points of entry.
- Regulatory gaps in food‑service supplies: Wholesale‑only goods often bypass retail inspection frameworks, increasing the risk that contaminated batches spread undetected. Licensing and inspection requirements for food‑service distributors may need reinforcement.
- Rapid genetic tracing: The use of WGS allowed health authorities to swiftly match contamination in food to patient cases, expediting the investigation. WGS should be standard for outbreak detection and control.
- Cross‑contamination awareness: Cleaning protocols are vital in shared kitchens. Without proper sanitization, residual pathogens can persist and contaminate other food items.
- Consumer education: While commercial products prompted this outbreak, foodborne illnesses often start at home. Educating the public on symptom monitoring and when to seek medical help, especially for vulnerable populations, is critical.
Final Note
The June 2025 Salmonella outbreak tied to pistachio cream serves as a potent reminder of the complexities in today’s interconnected food supply. With just four cases but serious consequences, it highlights weaknesses in importing protocols, food‑service oversight, and contamination detection. Robust genetic surveillance, stricter inspection standards, and rapid public health responses are essential to safeguard food safety. As agencies continue tracing distribution networks, this incident calls for a reevaluation of policies governing wholesale and imported food items. Ultimately, prevention requires global cooperation, advanced monitoring tools, and consumer awareness to prevent future outbreaks.
