Recall of products from March to August 2025 due to Salmonella outbreaks in Canada linked to pistachio products, including the popular Habibi brand pistachios and the viral Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, leading to multiple recalls of pistachios and pistachio-containing products. As a result, these products have been recalled by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency). The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investigating, and consumers should not eat any products containing pistachios until the outbreak is declared over.
Additional Information: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en (Health Canada-CFIA recalls) for the most up to date information.
Timeline
Between March to date, August 2025 there have been 62 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonellosis (strains Havan, Meleagridis). There have been 10 hospitalizations to date deaths The numbers to date are Ontario (11), Quebec (45), British Columbia (5), and Manitoba (1).
Scope of outbreak: Between early March and early August 2025, 62 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella illness (strains Havana, Mbandaka, Meleagridis) were reported across Quebec (45), Ontario (11), British Columbia (5), and Manitoba (1). There were 10 hospitalizations linked to this outbreak. The ages range from 2 to 89 years of age with a large percentage of those affected being female.
Products Affected
The U.S. has also had a Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio product. The Canadian outbreak is still ongoing, however the U.S. outbreak has been declared over.
The table below highlights the comparisons between the two countries.
| Region | Product(s) | Illnesses | Recalls Issued | Status (as of Aug.21/25) |
| U.S.A. | Emek Pistachio Cream (5kg tub, 9.07 oz. jar) | 4 | Full recall | Outbreak Over |
| Canada | Habibi, Dubai, Al Mokhtar products, Knafeh Milk Chocolate,
Andalos brand pistachio pastries, pistachio kernels (KabulVan) |
62 | Multiple recalls affecting various provinces | Still in progress and investigation |
If you purchased a recalled product
- Don’t Consume: Do not use, sell, serve, or distribute the recalled products.
- Check bar codes, UPC codes and best by dates as per the CFIA.
- Discard or Return: Throw out the affected pistachios or return them to the store.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you believe you are sick from the product, contact your healthcare provider.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that came into contact with recalled products to avoid cross-contamination.
- Stay Informed: Refer to the Public Health Notice on the Public Health Agency of Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
Salmonella Symptoms
Monitor for symptoms—diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting—occurring 6 to 72 hours after consumption; illness usually resolves in 4–7 days but can be more serious for at risk and vulnerable people.
Vulnerable Populations
Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.
More Salmonella information can be found at https://foodprep.ca/preventing-salmonella/
