Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios, Dubai chocolate likely to expand, PHAC says

By Canadian Press on August 6, 2025.

TORONTO — The Public Health Agency of Canada says it expects to report more salmonella cases linked to certain brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products in the coming months, adding to the dozens of infections already confirmed in four provinces.

On Tuesday, the federal agency said 52 have been sickened after eating contaminated pistachios and baked goods containing the nut. Nine people have landed in hospital.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has recalled products from the brands Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre and Dubai.

That includes Dubai chocolate, a type of treat that gained viral status for its decadent combination of milk chocolate, gooey pistachio cream and crispy knafeh, a sweet pastry.

The chocolate bar gained fame on TikTok in 2023 as influencers filmed themselves trying the treat, initially created in the United Arab Emirates. The popularity has led to copycat products and spawned many reviews and recipes on food blogs.

April Hexemer, the federal agency’s director of outbreak management, says she expects the number of salmonella cases reported to rise because of a long reporting delay between the time someone gets sick, and it’s confirmed by health officials.

Hexemer says that can span between 15 and 55 days, as it involves the patient seeking care and getting tested to confirm if the infection is linked to the outbreak.

“There will be quite some time before we can declare this one over,” Hexemer said in an interview Wednesday.

More details at: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/habibi-brand-pistachio-kernel-recalled-due-salmonella

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 6, 2025.

Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

Hannah Alberga, The Canadian Press

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