Salmonella outbreak linked to Emek-brand Pistachio Cream

United States

####Update August 21st, 2025:
CDC declares outbreak over

Source: FDA


Update July 16th, 2025:
Retail samples of Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif have tested positive for Salmonella as part of the ongoing FDA and CDC investigation. The contaminated product was found during sampling by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) at World Market retail locations. Further testing is underway to confirm whether the strains are genetically related to the outbreak cases.

In response, World Market has issued a recall of 9.7-oz Emek Spread Pistachio Cacao Cream with Kadayif, sold in glass jars marked with:

- Batch No: 250401
- UPC: 8 69652 10130 1
- Best Before: April 1, 2027

Authorities are continuing to assess whether other Emek-brand products may be affected and if additional recalls are necessary.

Outbreak Stats (as of July 16):
- Total illnesses: 4
- Hospitalizations: 1
- States affected: Minnesota (MN), New Jersey (NJ)
- Last known illness onset: May 19, 2025

Source: FDA


July 13th, 2025:
A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Emek-brand Pistachio Cream, resulting in four illnesses across two states in the United States. The product, manufactured by Emek Dogal Saglik Urunleri Iklim Gida Insaat San Tic Ltd Sti in Turkey, has a use-by date of October 19, 2026, and is distributed to wholesale distributors, restaurants, and food service locations nationwide. There were 4 people sick and 1 person hospitalized.

The outbreak involves Salmonella Oranienburg infections, with the FDA and CDC collaborating with state and local partners to investigate. The Minnesota Department of Health identified a cluster of illnesses and two positive samples of the pistachio cream that matched clinical cases through whole genome sequencing. All four reported cases consumed pistachio cream, with three cases linked to the same restaurant.

The issue was discovered when the Minnesota Department of Health notified the FDA about the cluster of Salmonella illnesses. The FDA is actively investigating the distribution of the affected product and whether other lots or products are impacted.

- Product Alert: Emek Pistachio Cream (Imported from Turkey)
- Product Name: Emek-brand Pistachio Cream
- Use-By Date: October 19, 2026 (TETT: 19/10/26 in DD/MM/YY format)
- Production Code: PNO: 241019
- Packaging: Sold in 5 kg white tubs
- Manufacturer: Emek Doğal Sağlık Ürünleri İklim Gıda İnşaat San. Tic. Ltd. Şti (Turkey)
- Distribution: Imported into the U.S. and distributed primarily for wholesale, restaurant, and food service use nationwide.
- Storage: Shelf-stable product
- Status: The FDA is actively investigating to determine whether additional batches or products from this manufacturer may also be affected.



Source: www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-pistachio-cream-june-2025