Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios Continues to Grow in Canada

Strategic Insights -

A salmonella outbreak in Canada, linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products, has made 62 people sick and hospitalized 10. The outbreak has led to the recall of multiple products, with the latest additions being pistachio kernels sold at stores in Kitchener and Hamilton. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has warned consumers not to consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute recalled products.

Key Takeaways:

  • 62 people have been made sick by the salmonella outbreak, with 10 hospitalized, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
  • The outbreak has affected people in B.C., Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, with five confirmed illnesses reported in B.C., one in Manitoba, 11 in Ontario, and 45 in Quebec.
  • Other recently recalled products connected to the outbreak include baklava-type products, ice cream, chocolate bars, and more pistachios.
  • The salmonella outbreak has led to recalls for multiple products, including Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand pistachios, Habibi brand pistachio kernels, and more.
  • Healthy people who contract salmonella typically recover within a few days without treatment, but young children, pregnant people, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe and potentially deadly infections.
  • Long-term complications of salmonella infection include severe arthritis, and people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

Statistics:

  • 62 people have been made sick by the salmonella outbreak in Canada.
  • 10 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
  • 5 confirmed illnesses have been reported in B.C.
  • 1 confirmed illness has been reported in Manitoba.
  • 11 confirmed illnesses have been reported in Ontario.
  • 45 confirmed illnesses have been reported in Quebec.

Sources:

  • "Food Recall Warning - Certain Pistachio Kernels Recalled due to Possible Salmonella Contamination." Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 9 Sept. 2022.
  • "Public Health Agency of Canada." Public Health Agency of Canada, 2022.
  • "Salmonellosis (Salmonella Infection)." Public Health Agency of Canada, 2022.