BURST
More than 50 people have become ill from a countrywide salmonella outbreak linked to now-recalled pistachios and pistachio products.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says laboratory tests have confirmed 52 cases of salmonella linked to the outbreak, including three in B.C., between March and mid-July.
The cases were concentrated in Quebec, with 39 cases; nine cases were reported in Ontario and one in Manitoba.
Nine people were hospitalized; no deaths were reported.
“Many people who became sick reported eating pistachios, and products containing pistachios, such as Dubai-style chocolate,” said the agency.
The outbreak is linked to three brands of pistachios and pistachio products that have been recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Habibi brand pistachio kernels, Al Mokhtar Food Centre pistachios, and Dubai brand pistachio and knafeh milk chocolate.
The products were sold in Quebec and Ontario, although the Dubai chocolate bars were also sold online.
The recalled pistachios may have been used or sold in baked goods, said the agency.
The agency is investigating the outbreak, and believes the actual number of illnesses is likely much higher as many people who get salmonella will have mild symptoms and will not go see their doctors or get tested.
Salmonella is a common form of bacterial food poisoning that can cause symptoms like fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, chills and diarrhea. Most symptoms last four to seven days.
Young children, pregnant women, elderly people and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to getting serious infections.
Salmonella is contagious and can be spread to other people.
The health agency said individuals, retailers and distributors should check if they have the recalled products and throw them out or return them to where they were purchased.