What is Salmonella? Illness behind Canada’s massive Pistachio recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled four brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products following the outbreak of Salmonella. According to the recall notice published August 7, 2025, the step was taken based on CFIA findings during its investigation into a food-borne illness outbreak. The brands include Habibi brand pistachio kernels, Al Mokhtar Food Centre pistachios, Dubai brand milk chocolate bars, and Andalos brand baklava.

Canada’s Public Health Agency has said that 52 people have fallen sick and 10 landed in hospital after eating contaminated pistachios and baked goods containing the nut, according to CBC. That’s only a fraction of the illnesses, as many go unreported, they stated. Speaking to the Canadian Press on Wednesday (August 6, 2025), the health agency said that it expects more Salmonella cases linked to this outbreak to be reported in the coming months.

What is Salmonella

Salmonella is a foodborne bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. It can lead to serious, sometimes life‑threatening illness, especially in children, pregnant people, older adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Common sources of infection

Contaminated food

In several cases, Salmonella spread to people through contaminated food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most Salmonella infections are linked to chicken, fruits, pork, seeded vegetables (such as tomatoes), other produce (such as nuts), beef, and turkey.

Cross-contamination

If foods contaminated with Salmonella are not kept separated, they can spread the bacteria. Unwashed hands, cutting boards, and knives can also pass the germs from those foods to others.

Foods linked to outbreaks

Recent outbreaks of Salmonella infection have been linked to many kinds of foods. These foods include chicken products, ground turkey, ground beef, other meats, and seafood. Sprouts, nut butters, cantaloupes, cucumbers, onions, basil, raw cookie dough, and flour have also been linked to recent outbreaks.

Contaminated water

Salmonella can get into drinking water, irrigation water (used to grow food), and water used for recreation. People can get sick if they drink untreated water or swallow water from streams, ponds, or lakes while swimming or camping. If water with Salmonella is used to irrigate or wash produce, it can contaminate fruits and vegetables before or after harvest.