Over 100 Canadians sick due to salmonella outbreak tied to pistachio products
If you love Dubai chocolate bars, you may want to keep an eye on an ongoing investigation into a salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio products.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued an update on Wednesday regarding the investigation into salmonella infections tied to various brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products.
According to PHAC, people became sick between early March and early September 2025. As of Wednesday, there are 105 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella across six provinces:
- British Columbia (six)
- Alberta (four)
- Manitoba (one)
- Ontario (27)
- Quebec (66)
- New Brunswick (one)
Of those illnesses, 16 people have been hospitalized, and there have been no reported deaths. The agency says its update only includes laboratory-confirmed cases, so the actual number of people sick in Canada is likely much higher.
“Many people who became sick reported eating pistachios, and products containing pistachios, such as Dubai-style chocolate and pastry products,” reads the notice. “The outbreak strains of Salmonella that made people sick were found in samples of recalled pistachios and samples of the recalled Dubai-style chocolate.”
Pistachio-filled Dubai chocolate bars aren’t the only products affected by the salmonella outbreak.
Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock
Recall notices for several pistachio-containing brands and products were issued between August and September due to the salmonella outbreak.
In early August, pistachio products from Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Dubai were recalled. The number of affected brands and products has grown substantially since then. Check out the full list of pistachio brands and products that have been recalled.
If you’ve eaten any of these products, you may not get sick. If you do, symptoms usually start within six to 72 hours after exposure. This includes chills, a fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and a sudden headache.
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent yourself from getting sick.
PHAC advises Canadians to do the following:
- Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment by looking for the specific product name and size, UPC and codes in the recall alerts
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products or any product made with them
- Return recalled products to the location where you purchased them. Consumers or establishments who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact their retailer or supplier where the products were purchased
- DoĀ not cook food for other people if you’ve been diagnosed with a salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness
- Contact your health care provider if you think you’re experiencing symptoms of salmonella
The agency adds that most people who get sick from salmonella will recover after a few days without treatment, but it can cause severe illness and hospitalization.
Hopefully, this outbreak will come to a close soon, like the recent months-long salmonella outbreak linked to salami products.