Outbreak of Salmonella linked to various brands of Pistachios

Canada

Update October 21st, 2025:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has released a new update on the Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products. The total number of confirmed cases has increased to 117 across six provinces, with 17 hospitalizations and no deaths reported. Alberta and Manitoba have now confirmed additional cases since the last update.

Health officials have identified eight different outbreak strains: Salmonella Havana, Mbandaka, Meleagridis, Tennessee, Anatum, Bareilly, Senftenberg, and Ohio. People became ill between early March and late September 2025, and 74% of reported cases are female, ranging in age from 2 to 95 years.

Testing has detected the outbreak strains in recalled pistachios and in Dubai-style chocolate and pastry products containing pistachios. Authorities continue to investigate, noting that additional sources may still be identified.

Due to the illness reporting lag (which can range from 15 to 99 days), more recent cases may still appear.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update September 24th, 2025:
- Total confirmed cases have risen to 105 (up from 79).
- New provinces involved: Alberta (4 cases reported).
- Hospitalizations have increased to 16 (no deaths reported).
- Additional outbreak strains identified: Salmonella Anatum, Salmonella Bareilly, and Salmonella Senftenberg, in addition to the previously reported strains (Havana, Mbandaka, Meleagridis, and Tennessee).
- People became sick between early March and early September 2025.
- Illness reporting lag remains 15–99 days, so additional cases may still be reported.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update September 15th, 2025:

- Illness count increased to 79 (up from 62)
- Provinces now include New Brunswick (1 case reported).
British Columbia (5)
Manitoba (1)
Ontario (17)
Quebec (55)
New Brunswick (1)
- Hospitalizations increased to 11 (no deaths reported).

A fourth strain, Salmonella Tennessee, has been identified in addition to Salmonella Havana, Mbandaka, and Meleagridis.

The illness reporting lag for this outbreak is now estimated at 15 to 99 days, so more cases may still be confirmed.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update August 19th, 2025:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided an update on the Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products.

Key developments:
- The outbreak strains have also been detected in samples of Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, in addition to the previously recalled Habibi pistachios.
- People became sick between early March and early August 2025.
- Due to a reporting lag of 15 to 55 days, more recent illnesses may still be confirmed.

Health authorities stress that the actual number of cases is likely much higher than reported, as many people with mild illness do not seek medical care or testing.

The investigation remains active, and officials warn that additional sources may be identified.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update August 15th, 2025:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued an update on the ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products. Laboratory testing has now confirmed three outbreak strains: Salmonella Havana, Salmonella Mbandaka, and Salmonella Meleagridis.

- Confirmed cases: 62 (up from 52 previously reported)
- Hospitalizations: 10 (no deaths)
- Provinces affected: British Columbia (5), Manitoba (1), Ontario (11), Quebec (45)
- Demographics: 76% of illnesses involve females; ages range from 2 to 89 years

Expanded recalls include products from the following brands: Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, Dubai, Andalos, Chocolats Favoris, Chocofolie, Chocolato and Vincent Sélection.

Distribution has also broadened, with recalled products shipped to British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, and some items available online.

Officials warn that more cases may still be reported due to the reporting lag of up to 55 days between illness onset and confirmation.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


August 5th, 2025:
A Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products has resulted in 52 confirmed illnesses across Canada, with nine hospitalizations reported. The affected regions include British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec in Canada. The outbreak involves various brands, including Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Dubai, with products distributed in Ontario and Quebec and available online.

Provinces and territories with people affected
- British Columbia: 3
- Manitoba: 1
- Ontario: 9
- Quebec: 39

The outbreak, which began in early March and continued through mid-July 2025, has predominantly affected females, with ages ranging from 2 to 89 years. The majority of cases have been reported in Quebec. The outbreak strains, Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka, were identified in samples of the recalled Habibi brand pistachios. Public health officials are actively investigating, and further sources may be identified as the situation develops.

The problem was discovered through laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella, with many affected individuals reporting consumption of pistachios and related products, such as Dubai-style chocolate. The reporting period for the illness ranges from 15 to 55 days after onset, indicating that more cases may emerge. Public health authorities emphasize that the actual number of cases is likely higher, as many individuals with mild symptoms may not seek medical attention or testing.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2025/outbreak-salmonella-infections-pistachios-related-products.html