Canada is experiencing a Salmonella outbreak connected to pistachios imported from Iran. The outbreak led to numerous recalls of both raw pistachios and pistachio-containing products, such as pastries and chocolates. At least 155 illnesses and 24 people were hospitalized. The CFIA urges consumers to avoid all pistachios unless they are sure of the product source. The contamination is particularly concerning because pistachios are used in many different products, making it challenging to identify all affected products. As a result, the PHC recommends avoiding pistachios of unknown origin. The pistachios and pistachio-containing products from the most recent recalls were sold in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and online. The recall includes raw pistachios, roasted pistachios, bulk nuts, chocolate products, baklava, pastries, and other items. Because many of these foods were sold in bulk or clerk-served containers, some consumers may not have original labels or packaging at home. The reason for the numerous recalls is that pistachios are sold in bulk and incorporated into products. Therefore, no information is available on the source of the pistachios in the products.
