Canadian health authorities have issued a food safety warning and recall for several pistachio-containing products sold in Ottawa and other regions amid a confirmed nationwide outbreak of salmonella. The outbreak has been linked to a range of products sold at retail outlets in Ontario and British Columbia, prompting urgent action from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
The CFIA confirmed that pistachio products sold under various names and at different locations are affected. These include Pistachio Baklava and Pistachio Butter Cookies sold at Alkadour Sweets stores in the Carlingwood, Bayshore, and Billings Bridge shopping centres in Ottawa. The products were distributed in five- or 12-piece packages for the baklava and in 12-piece packages for the cookies. Additionally, baklava sold in 300-gram and 600-gram packages at Mr. Kaak on Pleasant Park Road in Ottawa up to August 8 has been recalled. Pistachio Paklava, sold by the clerk at Kamo Bakery in Vancouver through August 11, was also included in the recall.
PHAC reported that the recall is part of an ongoing investigation into a salmonella outbreak associated with pistachio consumption. As of August 19, a total of 62 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella infection have been reported across four provinces. Quebec has recorded the highest number of cases at 45, followed by Ontario with 11, British Columbia with 5, and Manitoba with 1. At least 10 people have been hospitalized in connection with the outbreak. No fatalities have been reported.
No deaths reported, but 10 hospitalizations confirmed
The affected individuals range in age from two to 89 years old, with 76 percent of the reported cases involving females. Investigations have determined that many of the infected individuals consumed pistachios or products made with pistachios prior to falling ill. Among the implicated products are Dubai-style confections, including Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate and branded Habibi pistachio kernels. Testing by federal agencies identified matching strains of salmonella in these products.
In light of the outbreak, the CFIA has advised consumers to avoid eating, selling, or serving any of the recalled products. The agency emphasized that salmonella-contaminated products may not appear spoiled and can still carry the bacteria. Recalled items should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase. Retailers have been asked to remove affected items from shelves and contact customers where possible. Symptoms of salmonella infection usually appear between six and 72 hours after exposure and can include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Undetected cases may far exceed official counts
Most people recover without treatment within a week, but severe infections may occur, particularly among young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Health officials have warned that the number of confirmed cases likely represents only a fraction of the actual total, as many individuals with mild symptoms may not seek medical care or undergo laboratory testing. According to PHAC estimates, for every lab-confirmed case, as many as 26 infections may go unreported.
The CFIA and PHAC continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with provincial health units and food safety partners to trace the source of contamination. Further recalls may be issued if additional products are identified. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed through updated recall notices and to practice food safety precautions when handling and consuming nut-based products. The salmonella outbreak underscores the critical importance of food traceability and swift regulatory response to protect public health across Canada. – By Content Syndication Services.