Health officials are warning Canadians to steer clear of certain pistachio products, including the popular Dubai pistachio and Knafeh milk chocolate, after a salmonella outbreak has affected more than 50 people across the country.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says 52 confirmed cases have been reported in Quebec, with 39 illnesses, nine cases in Ontario, three in British Columbia and one in Manitoba, since March, according to a news release.
Nine people nationwide have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
The outbreak has been linked to pistachio products from several brands: Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Dubai brand pistachio and knafeh milk chocolate bars.
All three have been recalled, with distribution mainly in Ontario and Quebec. The Dubai chocolate bars were also available for purchase online, raising the possibility that cases could emerge in other provinces.
Officials say the recalled pistachios may have also been used in baked goods sold at grocery stores, cafes and bakeries. Consumers are urged to check packaging for specific lot codes and UPCs listed on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s recall alerts.
The outbreak comes in the middle of a global obsession with Dubai-style chocolate that first took off on TikTok in 2024. The visually striking treat has racked up millions of views on the platform and it quickly became a “must-try” item for sweet-toothed travellers and online shoppers.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Symptoms can appear within six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and include fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
Most people recover in a week, but the illness can be serious for young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.
Public health experts say the case count could be much higher than reported, as mild infections often go untested. The investigation is ongoing.
“Researchers estimate that for each case of salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported,” the news release read.
