Health Canada Issues Widespread Pistachio Recall Over Salmonella Risk

Dozens of pistachio and pistachio-related products have been recalled in Canada due to potential salmonella contamination, as confirmed by Health Canada. Over the past two weeks, the agency has issued nine recall notices, urging consumers to refrain from consuming, selling, or distributing these products.

The recalls stem from an investigation conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is linked to an ongoing outbreak of foodborne illness. Health Canada has indicated that more recalls may follow as the investigation unfolds. “The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace,” the agency stated.

Details of the Recall

A significant recall notice was released on September 24, 2023, affecting nine different pistachio products. This list included raw pistachios, unsalted pistachios, pistachio kernels, and skinless pistachios, which were sold in various locations, including Calgary, Edmonton, and St. Thomas, Ontario.

The following day, another recall was issued for products containing pistachios sold at an Ottawa store. This recall included paleo and vegan pistachio bars, baklava, and kunafa. A third recall was announced shortly after, affecting chocolate pistachio cake, cookies, strawberry cheesecake, and gelato available in stores in Mississauga and Ottawa. Some of these items were also sold in Loblaw and Zehrs outlets across Ontario.

On September 27, a smaller recall for raw pistachio kernels was issued for a store in Toronto. Two days later, green pistachios sold in Brampton, Ontario, were also recalled, followed by another recall for raspberry-flavored pistachio clusters.

The recalls continued into October, with a major notice issued on October 5, 2023, covering eight pistachio products sold at various stores in Ontario, including Toronto, Concord, and Thunder Bay. A smaller recall on October 6 targeted raw pistachios sold at an Ottawa store.

Health Risks and Recommendations

Health Canada advises the public to regularly check its recall notice page to determine if any pistachio products purchased are affected. Consumers experiencing illness after consuming recalled products should promptly contact their healthcare provider. Recalled items should either be discarded or returned to the point of purchase.

According to Health Canada, salmonella is a bacterial infection resulting from food contamination. Foods contaminated with salmonella may not exhibit visible signs of spoilage but can still pose health risks. The infection is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Health Canada notes that healthy individuals may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Long-term complications can include severe arthritis.

As pistachios grow in popularity, with projected sales exceeding $500 million this year, the importance of food safety measures remains paramount. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed about potential health risks associated with food products.