9 Hospitalized After Eating Contaminated Pistachio Products

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Nine people have been hospitalized in Canada due to Salmonella infection after eating pistachios or products made with pistachios. The country’s public health agency has confirmed a total of 52 cases linked to this outbreak so far.

The affected individuals are from four provinces:

• Quebec has reported the highest number with 39 cases.
  
• Ontario has 9 confirmed cases.
  
• British Columbia has 2 cases.
  
• Manitoba has reported 1 case.
  

The health agency has not revealed where the hospitalizations occurred. It did confirm that the cases include people between 2 and 89 years old, with around 75% being women.

Brands Involved in the Recall

The infected pistachios were sold under the brand names:

• Habibi
  
• Al Mokhtar Food Centre
  
• Dubai
  

These products were distributed in Ontario and Quebec. The Dubai brand’s pistachios and knafeh milk chocolate bars were also sold online, raising concerns that they could have reached more people across the country.

Authorities also warned that some of the recalled pistachios may have been used in baked goods like cookies or pastries sold in bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores.

Urgent Public Warning

The public health agency is urging people to stop using or eating any recalled pistachios or items made with them. This warning is for:

• Consumers at home
  
• Retailers
  
• Distributors
  
• Food businesses, including cafes, pharmacies, and bakeries
  

People should check the recall alerts and look at product names, sizes, barcodes, and lot codes to see if they have the affected items. Anyone who finds them should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

Those unsure about whether they bought the recalled products should contact the store or supplier for confirmation.

If someone has Salmonella or any digestive illness, they should not cook or serve food to others until they recover.

What You Need to Know About Salmonella

Salmonella, or salmonellosis, is a bacterial infection often caused by eating contaminated food. Not everyone who gets infected shows symptoms, but they can still pass the bacteria to others, even if they feel fine.

The illness usually shows up within 6 to 72 hours of eating the contaminated product. Symptoms may include:

• Stomach pain or cramps
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Nausea
  
• Fever
  
• Chills
  
• Headache
  

Most people recover in four to seven days without needing medical help. However, some cases can become serious, especially for:

• Young children
  
• Seniors
  
• Pregnant people
  
• Those with weak immune systems
  

In severe cases, Salmonella can lead to hospitalization, long-term health issues, or even death.

What to Do If You Feel Sick

Anyone who experiences these symptoms after eating pistachios or pistachio-based snacks should:

• Stop eating the suspected food
  
• Call their doctor or a health clinic
  
• Avoid preparing food for others
  

Health officials continue to track this outbreak and will update the public as needed. Until then, people are strongly advised to be cautious about any pistachio products they have at home or at their business.