The Canada pistachio salmonella outbreak has been declared over after 200 laboratory-confirmed illnesses were reported, including 79 cases in Ontario.
The Public Health Agency of Canada issued its final outbreak notice on July 21, 2026. Twenty-six people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
Although the outbreak investigation has closed, consumers are still being warned not to eat recalled pistachios or foods made with recalled pistachios.
Canada Pistachio Salmonella Outbreak Affected Six Provinces
The Canada pistachio salmonella outbreak included confirmed illnesses in six provinces:
- Quebec: 91 cases
- Ontario: 79 cases
- British Columbia: 16 cases
- Alberta: nine cases
- Manitoba: three cases
- New Brunswick: two cases
People who became ill ranged from one to 95 years old, and 71 per cent of the confirmed patients were female.
The illnesses were linked to several types of salmonella and occurred over more than a year, beginning in early 2025.
Public-health investigators identified pistachios imported from Iran and products manufactured with Iranian pistachios as the source of the outbreak.
Pistachios Used in Chocolate, Pastries and Other Foods
Many people who became sick reported eating pistachios or foods containing pistachios.
Products connected to the investigation included:
- Dubai-style chocolate
- Baklava
- Knafeh
- Cakes and pastries
- Ice cream
- Nut mixtures
- Pistachio cream
- Foods containing pistachio toppings or fillings
Outbreak strains of salmonella were detected in samples of recalled pistachios and Dubai-style chocolate.
Numerous brands and food products were recalled during the investigation. Products were sold in several provinces and through online retailers.
Recalled Products Should Still Be Discarded
The closure of the outbreak investigation does not cancel existing recalls.
Consumers should check pistachios, chocolate, pastries, desserts, spreads and other pistachio-containing products stored in their homes.
When reviewing a recall notice, compare the product’s:
- Brand
- Product name
- Package size
- Universal product code
- Lot number
- Best-before date or other identifying code
A recalled product should be thrown away or returned to the place where it was purchased.
Consumers should not rely on the food’s appearance or smell. Products contaminated with salmonella may look, smell and taste normal.
Anyone who is uncertain whether a product is affected should contact the retailer or manufacturer.
Import Restrictions Remain in Effect
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s temporary restriction on pistachios and pistachio-containing products imported from Iran remains active.
Importers must provide evidence that shipments do not originate from Iran. Shipments may be detained and tested for salmonella or refused entry when the required documentation is not provided.
The CFIA has also introduced additional requirements affecting previously imported Iranian pistachios and products made with them.
The agency advises consumers to consider alternatives to Iranian pistachios because of the continuing potential for salmonella contamination.
The CFIA’s separate food-safety investigation and product-monitoring activities are continuing even though the public-health outbreak investigation has closed.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms normally begin between six and 72 hours after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Sudden headache
Most symptoms last between four and seven days, and many people recover without medical treatment.
However, salmonella can cause serious illness, dehydration and hospitalization. Young children, adults aged 60 and older, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications.
Anyone who develops symptoms after eating a recalled product should contact a healthcare provider. People experiencing diarrhea or another potentially contagious illness should avoid preparing food for others.
Actual Case Total May Be Higher
The 200 reported illnesses include only laboratory-confirmed cases.
The actual number of people affected was likely higher because people with mild symptoms may not seek medical attention or receive testing.
Durham Region residents should continue checking federal recall notices before consuming pistachios or products containing pistachios, particularly items that may have been stored for several months.
