More Pistachio Products Recalled Across Canada as Salmonella Outbreak Continues

Pistachio nuts are displayed at a grocery store in Mississauga, Ont., on Dec. 16, 2024. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

More pistachio and pistachio-containing products are being recalled in Canada as federal health officials continue to investigate an ongoing outbreak of salmonella infections.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued recall notices for several products sold by vendors in southern Ontario and online. The items were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Quebec.

An eight-page list of the affected products can be found here.

“The affected products are being recalled from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination,” the agency said in the Nov. 20 notice.

The most recent alert was triggered by a CFIA investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak associated with pistachios. Products containing the popular tree nuts have been the subject of numerous recalls in recent months.

The agency said it is continuing to conduct its investigation which could lead to the recall of other products.

Each of the recalls have been categorized as Class 2, indicating a moderate risk that consuming the food could result in short-term or non-life-threatening health issues.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said 117 cases of salmonella have been confirmed across six provinces, with 17 hospitalizations.

Quebec has the highest number of cases at 67, followed by Ontario with 34, British Columbia with nine, Alberta with four, Manitoba with two, and New Brunswick with one.

The agency said the age range of those who have fallen ill spans from two to 95, and 74 percent of them are female. Its case count includes only laboratory-tested cases.

“The actual number of sick people in Canada is likely much higher. Many people have mild symptoms and don’t go to the doctor, so they aren’t tested,” the notice said. “Researchers estimate that for each case of Salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported.”

CFIA said it anticipates an increase in salmonella cases associated with the outbreak to be reported in the upcoming months.

Salmonella Symptoms

Salmonella is an infection caused by salmonella bacteria that can lead to a range of symptoms, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Not everyone exposed to salmonella will fall ill, but those who are affected generally present symptoms within six to 72 hours, the agency’s website said. The groups most at risk are young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The most common symptoms include chills, diarrhea, fever, nausea, stomach cramps, sudden headaches, and vomiting. These symptoms generally resolve within four to seven days.

Most people tend to recover on their own, but there are cases where some may become gravely ill and require hospital care, the agency said. Those who fall critically ill might face long-lasting health complications or, in the most extreme situations, death.

Ongoing health issues such as reactive arthritis, commonly referred to as Reiter’s syndrome, typically manifest within four weeks of falling ill.