Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios Affects 117 Canadians

A significant salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and products containing pistachios has resulted in 117 illnesses across six Canadian provinces. As of October 21, 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported that an additional twelve individuals have fallen ill, with seven cases recorded in Ontario. This outbreak has led to the hospitalization of seventeen people, an increase from previous updates.

The latest reports indicate that new cases emerged in provinces including British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. Specifically, there are now nine cases in British Columbia, four in Alberta, two in Manitoba, 34 in Ontario, 67 in Quebec, and one in New Brunswick. Those affected range in age from two to 95 years, with a notable 74 percent of cases reported among females.

Keith Warriner, a food safety expert and professor at the University of Guelph, emphasized the importance of vigilance rather than fear regarding pistachio consumption. He acknowledged the complexity of tracking the source of pistachios, particularly in processed products where the origin can be obscured. “This outbreak was bound to go on,” Warriner stated, underscoring the challenges of traceability in the food supply chain.

Many individuals who developed symptoms reported consuming pistachios or products containing them, such as Dubai-style chocolate, which has also been linked to the outbreak. PHAC noted that the strains of salmonella responsible for these illnesses were detected in samples of the Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate. As a precaution, the agency has issued food recall warnings for various pistachio products, including those sold in Ontario and Quebec.

Salmonella infections can lead to serious health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Most individuals experience mild symptoms, which typically resolve within a few days without treatment. However, some cases can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalization.

The current outbreak follows another salmonella incident this summer, which was linked to salami and cacciatore and affected 90 individuals across Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta. This previous outbreak has since been officially closed as of September 16, 2023.

PHAC continues to investigate the current situation, noting that the number of reported illnesses likely underrepresents the actual total. “Many people have mild symptoms and don’t go to the doctor, so they aren’t tested,” PHAC stated. Researchers estimate that for each confirmed salmonella case reported, approximately 26 cases go unreported.

As the investigation progresses, consumers are urged to check their pantry against recall notices issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and stay informed about potential recalls of pistachio products.

To report any food-related concerns, individuals can utilize the online reporting system available through Health Canada. With the potential for more products to be affected, public vigilance remains crucial as health authorities work to contain the outbreak.