The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is currently investigating a nationwide salmonella outbreak. This investigation is associated with several different brands of pistachios and products that contain pistachios. This outbreak, which spanned March to early August 2025, has led to dozens of illnesses nationwide.
During the PHAC’s ongoing investigation, they have identified a total of 62 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella connected to the contaminated products. Even more alarmingly, we have had to hospitalize at least ten people for serious symptoms. Advocates and public health officials warn that the actual number of people impacted is likely much higher than what’s reported. “Many people have mild symptoms and don’t go to the doctor, so they aren’t tested,” officials stated.
The PHAC actually acted fairly quickly during the health emergency. They recalled pistachio products from other brands including Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, Dubai, Andalos, Chocolats Favoris, Chocofolie, Chocolato, Vincent Sélection. The CFIA recently used its own announcement templates to make this recall known. They’re retracting 27 products sold in Ottawa from Pistachio Choco and La Brioche. These recalled products were shipped throughout Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
The urgency of the ongoing outbreak—the largest in history—has alarmed public health officials. “Researchers estimate that for each case of salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported,” they explained. This estimate points to a large number of unreported cases, indicating that consumers should be more aware and careful.
The CFIA is also working closely with the PHAC as part of a robust, comprehensive food safety investigation. We hope this collaboration will result in more recalls of other products that could be impacted by salmonella contamination. “The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace,” officials confirmed.
Public health experts warn that even healthy people are at risk of experiencing persistent, short-term symptoms. These symptoms may be fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Moreover, they caution that long-term complications may involve debilitating arthritis. “Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis,” stated a representative of the CFIA.
