The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued an urgent safety notice regarding a significant pistachio and chocolate recall in Ontario affecting several popular dessert items. The recall was triggered following test results that indicated a high risk of salmonella contamination within various pistachio-based products distributed by Kunafa’s Inc. Health officials are particularly concerned as there have already been reported illnesses potentially linked to the consumption of these items. Residents in the Durham Region are being urged to check their pantries immediately, as the Ajax location at 145 Kingston Rd. E. is one of the primary retail outlets involved in the distribution of the tainted goods.
The pistachio and chocolate recall in Ontario encompasses a wide range of specialty sweets, including the highly popular “Dubai Chocolate Bar,” “Dubai Brownies,” and various forms of pistachio-infused baklava and kunafa. According to the CFIA, any of these clerk-served items purchased from Kunafa’s locations—including those in Ajax, Mississauga, Scarborough, and London—between January 29, 2026, and February 16, 2026, should be considered unsafe. Additionally, specific products like “Baklava Cups” and “Aish Al Bulbul” sold at the Ajax branch as recently as March 30, 2026, are also included in the expanded warning. Consumers are advised to either dispose of these products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Health experts warn that food contaminated with salmonella may not necessarily look or smell spoiled, but it can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Common symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. While healthy individuals typically recover within a few days, the infection can be life-threatening for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The CFIA is currently conducting a thorough food safety investigation into the source of the contamination at Kunafa’s Inc., which may result in further products being added to the pistachio and chocolate recall in Ontario list in the coming days.
For the Ajax community, this recall hits close to home as the Kingston Road East location is a frequent stop for those seeking authentic Mediterranean desserts. The CFIA’s table of impacted goods highlights that not only finished desserts are at risk, but also bulk ingredients such as “Pistachio Paste” and “Pistachio Powder,” which may have been sold to other local retail bakeries. Business owners who utilize Kunafa’s Inc. as a supplier are likewise encouraged to verify their stock and halt the sale of any pistachio-containing items that match the distribution dates provided by the federal agency.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing further illness and ensuring that all contaminated stock is removed from the supply chain. The pistachio and chocolate recall in Ontario serves as a critical reminder of the importance of monitoring federal food safety alerts. If you or someone in your household has consumed the recalled products and is experiencing symptoms of salmonella poisoning, you are advised to contact a healthcare professional immediately. For the latest updates on this developing situation and a complete list of affected UPC codes and product sizes, residents can visit the official CFIA website or the Durham Region Health Department’s portal.
