More chocolate & pastries are being recalled as Canada's salmonella outbreak keeps growing

A nationwide salmonella outbreak in Canada tied to recalled pistachio products is under investigation, and health officials say dozens of people have already been affected.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed 62 cases of illness linked to the outbreak, including 10 severe enough to require hospitalization.

The affected products — which include pistachios, chocolate bars and pastries — were sold under several brand names in Ontario, Quebec, B.C. and New Brunswick, including at popular retailers like Costco. The products were also sold online, and could have made their way to other provinces and territories.

Multiple product recalls in Canada have now been issued due to potential salmonella contamination, and the number of reported cases may continue to rise, health officials say.

This marks the second active salmonella outbreak in Canada this summer. The other is tied to a meat recall involving contaminated deli meats, with 88 illnesses reported across Alberta, Ontario, B.C. and Manitoba as of early August.

In the latest outbreak, many of those who became sick reported eating pistachios or pistachio-based desserts — including viral Dubai-style chocolate and nut-filled pastries.

The reported illnesses began as early as March, although new cases have continued to be reported into August. So far, the majority of reported cases have been in Quebec, and officials say the actual number of people sick across the country is "likely much higher" than the reported number.

"Many people have mild symptoms and don't go to the doctor, so they aren't tested," the PHAC notice says. "Researchers estimate that for each case of Salmonella reported to public health, there are 26 more cases that are not reported."

The CFIA has since issued recalls for a growing list of products distributed in stores and online. Some may have been used in pastries or sold without labels, making them hard to identify. If you're unsure, check the recall notices or reach out to the store where the item was purchased.

Recalled products

Here's a breakdown of what's been recalled so far:

• Habibi-brand Pistachio Kernel (10 kg) (sold to hotels, restaurants and institutions, not individual consumers)
• Al Mokhtar Food Centre-brand Pistachio (450 g)
• Chocofolie-brand "Chocolat Dubaï - chocolat au lait kunafa & pistache" (145 g)
• Chocolato-brand "Chocolat Dubaï - chocolat au lait kunafa & pistache" (145 g)
• Chocolats Favoris-brand Dubai Chocolate - Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate (145 g)
• Dubai-brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate (145 g)
• Vincent Sélection-brand Dubai Chocolate - Milk Chocolate, Knafeh & Pistachio (145 g)
• Various Andalos-brand pastry products

These items were sold in B.C., Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick — although some were also available online nationally.

What to watch out for

According to the PHAC, salmonella symptoms typically show up within 6 to 72 hours of exposure and can include fever, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea and headaches.

Most people recover without treatment, but some — especially children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems — may need medical care.

PHAC notes that people can still spread the bacteria to others even after symptoms have gone away.

What to do

If you think you might have any of the recalled items at home:

• Check the product name, UPC and lot codes listed in the CFIA recalls
• Do not eat, sell, serve or use the products
• Return them to the store or throw them away safely
• Wash any surfaces or containers the food may have touched

Health officials say it can take up to 55 days for new cases to be reported after a person gets sick. That means more illnesses could still surface in the coming weeks.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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