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More recalls have been issued for a popular type of chocolate following a salmonella outbreak connected to specific brands of pistachios and products containing pistachios.
A number of additional brands of Dubai pistachio and knafeh milk chocolate have been pulled off the shelves 10 days after the original recall, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said in an Aug. 14 advisory.
The agency said the recall was “triggered by test results” during an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak that has sickened 52 and hospitalized 10.
The recalled brands include Chocofolie, Chocolato, Chocolats Favoris, Dubai, and Vincent Sélection chocolate bars. Each of the recalled products is 145 grams with UPC and barcodes that can be found here.
The chocolate bars were distributed in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec as well as online, and are the latest pistachio-related product to be recalled over the past three weeks following an outbreak of infections associated with specific brands of pistachios and products containing pistachios. Recall warnings have also been issued for products from the brands Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Andalos.
CFIA said it is continuing its food safety investigation into the affected products which could lead to additional recalls in the future. The agency is also verifying that all of the products have been pulled from store shelves and websites.
Outbreak
The Public Health Agency of Canada said 52 cases of salmonella have been confirmed with the reported illnesses occurring from early March to mid-July. Quebec has the highest number of cases at 39, followed by Ontario with nine, British Columbia with three, and Manitoba with one.
The health agency said the strains of salmonella responsible for the illnesses were first detected in samples of recalled Habibi brand pistachios, but noted that other sources could be identified as the investigation continues.
Salmonellosis ranks as one of the most common varieties of food poisoning that can result in a wide range of symptoms, according to Health Canada.
Not everyone exposed to salmonella will exhibit symptoms, but for those that do, side effects generally appear within six to 72 hours, the agency’s website says. The most common symptoms are chills, diarrhea, fever, nausea, stomach cramps, sudden headache, and vomiting. Most symptoms subside within a four to seven-day timeframe and generally do not require medical care. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most susceptible to severe illness.
Dehydration is the most common complication from salmonellosis, particularly when vomiting and diarrhea are severe. Health Canada recommends rest and drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, patients may require prescription drugs and support to receive fluids via intravenous therapy.
