Dubai brand chocolate recalled in Canada over Salmonella risk amid pistachio outbreak

A popular chocolate bar with ties to viral food trends has been recalled across parts of Canada due to concerns over Salmonella contamination, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The product at the center of the recall is the Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, sold in 145-gram bars with the UPC 6 11834 51237 1 and production code 225.174. It was distributed in Quebec and sold online. The recall was triggered by test results, the CFIA said, and is being carried out by Distribution Bonbons JJ Candy.

No illnesses have been directly linked to the chocolate bar so far. However, the recall comes amid a broader national salmonella outbreak tied to contaminated pistachio products, which have now sickened at least 52 people across four provinces: Quebec (39), Ontario (9), British Columbia (3), and Manitoba (1). Nine people have been hospitalized.


“While no illnesses have been reported from this specific chocolate, the product contains pistachios that could be linked to the outbreak,” the CFIA said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investigating two strains of the bacteria, Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka, that have been identified in the national outbreak. Officials note that many of those affected are women between the ages of 2 and 89, and that the true number of cases may be much higher due to underreporting.

Salmonella bacteria don’t change the taste, smell, or appearance of food, but they can cause serious illness. Symptoms typically appear 6 to 72 hours after exposure and include fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Most healthy people recover without treatment, but infants, seniors, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications.

The CFIA advises anyone who purchased the recalled chocolate to throw it out or return it to the point of sale. Anyone who believes they may have fallen ill after eating the product should seek medical attention.

Photos of the affected product were released by the agency, showing a gold foil bar with ornate green pistachio and knafeh imagery, part of the Dubai brand's growing popularity on TikTok and Instagram in the last year.

While the name “Dubai” may imply a link to the UAE, Gulf News clarified that the chocolate is not manufactured in Dubai itself, but rather marketed under that brand name and distributed through Canadian importers.

The CFIA says its food safety investigation is ongoing, and more products may be recalled as testing continues.

Consumers are encouraged to monitor official updates at recalls-rappels.canada.ca and avoid eating any products tied to the recall.