Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios – PHAC Update (September 15, 2025)

Abstract

On September 15, 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued its latest update on an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to pistachios and pistachio-containing products. A total of 79 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported across five provinces, with 11 hospitalizations and no deaths. Several brands of pistachios and pistachio-based foods have been recalled. Laboratory testing has confirmed Salmonella contamination in both raw pistachios and chocolate products containing pistachios. This article summarizes the outbreak, reviews similar recent incidents, and discusses how proactive testing and environmental monitoring can prevent such outbreaks.

Introduction

Foodborne outbreaks linked to low-moisture foods such as nuts and chocolate continue to challenge food safety systems worldwide. Salmonella spp. can persist in these foods for extended periods, posing risks to consumers. Recent outbreaks in Canada highlight the need for vigilance in testing, monitoring, and preventive controls.

Outbreak Overview (Canada, 2025)

As of September 15, 2025, PHAC confirmed 79 cases of Salmonella infection across five provinces: Quebec (55), Ontario (17), British Columbia (5), Manitoba (1), and New Brunswick (1). The affected individuals range in age from 2 to 89 years, and 78% are female. Eleven patients required hospitalization, and no deaths have been reported.

Four Salmonella serotypes have been implicated: S. Havana, S. Mbandaka, S. Meleagridis, and S. Tennessee.

Recalled Products

CFIA recalls cover a wide range of pistachio products and pistachio-containing foods. While the full list is available through the CFIA Food Safety Investigation page, confirmed recalls include multiple brands of raw pistachios, chocolate confections (e.g., pistachio & knafeh milk chocolate), and pistachio-based pastries.

Laboratory analysis confirmed outbreak strains in Habibi brand pistachios and Dubai brand pistachio & knafeh milk chocolate, corroborating epidemiological links reported by patients. Illnesses began between early March and mid-August 2025.

Reporting delays remain significant, with cases taking 15 to 99 days from illness onset to confirmation. The true scope of the outbreak is likely much larger than the 79 reported cases, as mild infections often go untested; for each confirmed case, an estimated 26 additional cases may not be reported.

Comparative Incidents (2023–2025)

• United States (2025): A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg linked to imported pistachio cream (Emek brand) resulted in four cases, one hospitalization, and a recall after FDA testing confirmed contamination.

• Canada (2024): CFIA recalled Nut Works brand raw pistachios after detecting Salmonella contamination during routine testing. No illnesses were reported, highlighting the importance of preventive screening.

• Historical precedent (2016): A multistate U.S. outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo and Senftenberg was linked to California pistachios, underscoring that pistachios remain a recurrent risk vector for salmonellosis.

Public Health Implications

This outbreak underscores the persistence of Salmonella in low-moisture foods and the challenges it poses for the food industry. Contamination in raw pistachios and derivative products such as pastries and chocolate demonstrates how a single contaminated ingredient can affect multiple value-added foods.

Vulnerable populations – including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and immunocompromised persons – remain at highest risk for severe illness. Effective recalls, public awareness, and robust preventive controls are essential to mitigating outbreak impact.

Role of CREM Co Labs in Prevention

Preventing future outbreaks requires a comprehensive approach combining agricultural best practices, manufacturing hygiene, and systematic testing.

CREM Co Labs supports manufacturers through:

• Routine pathogen testing of raw ingredients, finished products, and processing environments.

• Environmental monitoring programs to detect contamination hotspots (e.g., roasting equipment, storage areas).

• HACCP verification services, ensuring roasting, sanitation, and segregation controls are validated.

• Trend analysis of microbiological data, enabling proactive corrective actions.

• Challenge studies and shelf-life testing to confirm product safety throughout distribution.

By integrating these services, CREM Co Labs helps food producers detect contamination before it spreads, avoid costly recalls, and demonstrate regulatory compliance and due diligence. This proactive approach protects both consumers and industry reputation.

References

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. Public health notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to various brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products (September 15, 2025 update). Ottawa: PHAC; 2025.

2. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Food recall warnings and safety alerts. Ottawa: CFIA; 2025.

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Outbreak investigation of Salmonella: Pistachio cream (June 2025). Silver Spring: FDA; 2025.

4. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Recall notice: Nut Works raw whole pistachios (November 17, 2024). Ottawa: CFIA; 2024.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Senftenberg infections linked to pistachios (2016). Atlanta: CDC; 2016.