Abstract
On August 15, 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) released an update on the ongoing outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products. The outbreak involves 62 confirmed cases across four provinces, with 10 hospitalizations and no deaths. Several brands have issued recalls, and contaminated samples were confirmed in pistachios and chocolate products. This article summarizes the outbreak, contextualizes it with recent similar incidents, and highlights the role of preventive testing in food safety.
Introduction
Salmonellosis is a common foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria. Although often associated with raw or undercooked animal products, outbreaks linked to low-moisture foods such as nuts and chocolate are increasingly reported. Pistachios, due to their harvesting and processing conditions, can become contaminated with Salmonella and retain viable bacteria for extended periods. This poses risks to consumers and challenges for the food industry.
Outbreak Overview (Canada, 2025)
As of August 15, 2025, PHAC confirmed 62 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella infection linked to pistachios. Cases were reported in British Columbia (5), Manitoba (1), Ontario (11), and Quebec (45). The majority of those affected are female (76%), with ages ranging from 2 to 89 years. Ten individuals required hospitalization, and no deaths have been reported.
Three Salmonella serotypes have been implicated: S. Havana, S. Mbandaka, and S. Meleagridis.
Recalled Brands and Products
CFIA recalls have been issued for:
Habibi pistachio kernels (Lots 361.24IR41, 344.24IR41, B.B JAN 2027)
Al Mokhtar Food Centre pistachios
Dubai pistachio & knafeh milk chocolate
Andalos pastry products
Chocolats Favoris pistachio chocolate
Chocofolie pistachio chocolate
Chocolato pistachio chocolate
Vincent Sélection pistachio chocolate
Products were distributed in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec, and several were available for purchase online.
Laboratory testing confirmed outbreak strains in Habibi brand pistachios and Dubai brand pistachio & knafeh milk chocolate, supporting epidemiological evidence implicating pistachio products as the outbreak source. Illness onset dates range from early March to early August 2025.
Comparative Incidents (2023–2025)
United States (2025): A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections was traced to an imported pistachio cacao spread (Emek-brand Pistachio Cream). Four cases were reported, including one hospitalization. FDA testing confirmed Salmonella in the implicated product.
Canada (2024): CFIA recalled Nut Works brand raw whole pistachios after routine testing detected Salmonella. No illnesses were reported, suggesting proactive testing prevented an outbreak.
Historical context: Previous outbreaks, including a 2016 U.S. outbreak linked to California pistachios, underscore the persistence of Salmonella in low-moisture foods and the importance of preventive controls.
Public Health Implications
This outbreak highlights persistent vulnerabilities in nut and confectionery supply chains. Salmonella can survive for long periods in low-moisture environments, evade detection, and cause widespread illness when incorporated into ready-to-eat products.
High-risk populations – including young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised persons – face greater risks of severe illness or complications. Public health messaging, timely recalls, and consumer awareness are critical to reduce exposure and limit outbreak impact.
The estimated underreporting factor (26 unreported cases for every confirmed case) suggests the true scope of this outbreak may be significantly larger than official figures indicate.
Role of CREM Co Labs in Prevention
Preventing outbreaks requires strong preventive systems, including:
Routine food testing: Screening ingredients, finished products, and processing environments for Salmonella.
Environmental monitoring: Identifying contamination hotspots in facilities (e.g., equipment, storage, or handling areas).
Validation of sanitation protocols: Ensuring that roasting, pasteurization, and cleaning processes effectively eliminate pathogens.
Rapid response capability: Swiftly testing suspect batches and supporting recall decisions with validated data.
CREM Co Labs, accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 and OECD GLP, provides advanced microbiological testing services for the food industry. By partnering with producers, distributors, and retailers, CREM Co Labs helps reduce risks, protect public health, and strengthen consumer trust. Regular testing and proactive monitoring remain the best defenses against future outbreaks.
How CREM Co Labs Helps Manufacturers Avoid Outbreaks
Beyond compliance testing, CREM Co Labs supports manufacturers by implementing preventive food safety programs tailored to their production systems. This includes:
Designing environmental surveillance plans to detect Salmonella in high-risk zones before it contaminates products.
Assisting with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) verification, ensuring that preventive controls such as roasting, cleaning, and segregation are working effectively.
Providing trend analysis of microbial data to identify recurring contamination patterns and advise corrective actions.
Conducting challenge studies and shelf-life testing to validate that products remain safe throughout their distribution.
By integrating these services into routine operations, CREM Co Labs enables manufacturers to identify risks early, act before recalls are necessary, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators and customers. This proactive approach not only helps avoid costly recalls but also strengthens consumer confidence and brand reputation.
References
Public Health Agency of Canada. Public health notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to various brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products (August 15, 2025 update). Ottawa: PHAC; 2025.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Food recall warnings and safety alerts. Ottawa: CFIA; 2025.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Outbreak investigation of Salmonella: Pistachio cream (June 2025). Silver Spring: FDA; 2025.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Recall notice: Nut Works raw whole pistachios (November 17, 2024). Ottawa: CFIA; 2024.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to pistachios (2016). Atlanta: CDC; 2016.