A prolonged salmonella outbreak in Canada, tracing back to pistachio products, continues to pose a significant public health risk more than a year after the initial cases were reported. As of now, the outbreak has resulted in 189 confirmed illnesses, predominantly in Ontario and Quebec, with health officials highlighting the challenges in controlling this unusual outbreak.
Prolonged Outbreak Raises Alarm
The outbreak first emerged in early March 2025, and despite extensive investigation and efforts to mitigate the risk, the number of reported illnesses has steadily climbed. April Hexemer, Director of the Outbreak Management Division at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), attributes the outbreak’s persistence to several factors, including the long shelf life of pistachios, their widespread distribution, and the intricate nature of the supply chain.
“This is a unique situation; we don’t typically encounter outbreaks that linger for this duration after the source has been identified,” Hexemer noted. The situation is compounded by the fact that pistachios are frequently used in a variety of products—ranging from pastries to chocolate bars—making it difficult to trace the source of contamination effectively.
Investigations and Recalls Intensify
In December, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that the pistachios implicated in the outbreak were imported from Iran, although it did not specify if a particular crop was responsible. In response to the ongoing health threat, the CFIA enacted a temporary ban on imports of pistachios and products containing pistachios from Iran last September.
Hexemer elaborated on the complexity of the supply chain: “Pistachios are extremely popular and found in numerous food items, making our investigation into recent cases quite challenging. We are working diligently to determine the cause of these new illnesses, but thorough investigations are necessary before we can draw any conclusions.”
Despite the focus on preventing further spread, health officials continue to advise consumers against using any recalled products. Hexemer stressed, “Our guidelines remain the same: do not consume or serve any products that have been recalled.”
Hospitalizations and Ongoing Risk
Since the last report on March 13, PHAC has documented an additional 11 lab-confirmed cases. It is estimated that for every confirmed case, approximately 26 more go unreported, pointing to a potentially larger issue. Out of the total reported illnesses, 26 individuals have required hospitalisation; fortunately, no deaths have been linked to this outbreak.
The CFIA is currently conducting an extensive investigation that began with the Habibi brand of pistachio kernel in July 2025. In December, the agency issued a warning to retailers and food service providers about the potential for salmonella contamination in imported pistachios from Iran, urging them to verify their stock against recall lists.
Businesses are advised against relying on dry heat methods, such as roasting, to eliminate salmonella, as this bacteria can survive in high-fat, low-moisture foods like pistachios.
Repeated Recalls Highlight the Severity
Since the outbreak began, numerous pistachio products have faced recalls. The CFIA has consolidated its recall list to address the overwhelming number of affected items. Prior to November 12, the agency had issued approximately 46 recall warnings and 22 notifications from July to November. Following this, between November 12 and March 16, a staggering 344 additional products were recalled, with the brands and distribution locations varying widely.
While the ongoing salmonella outbreak remains a concern, Hexemer remains hopeful for a resolution, stating, “In my experience, all outbreaks come to an end. We are committed to gathering evidence to determine the necessary steps to eradicate this issue.”
Why it Matters
The persistence of this salmonella outbreak not only highlights the vulnerabilities within food safety and supply chains but also emphasises the importance of consumer awareness. With health authorities urging caution, the situation underlines the critical need for rigorous food safety regulations and practices to protect public health. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder that vigilance in food consumption can safeguard communities from potential health crises.
