Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachio nuts: Health professionals recommend precautions during recall
Breaking News: Salmonella Outbreak in Canada Affects Pistachio Products and Baked Goods
A salmonella outbreak has been reported in Canada, affecting several individuals, particularly children. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has identified the culprit as the Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka strains, primarily found in pistachios and pistachio-containing products.
As of the latest reports, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled four main brands/products: Habibi pistachio kernels, Al Mokhtar Food Centre pistachios, Dubai brand milk chocolate bars, and Andalos brand baklava. However, investigations are ongoing, and more products could potentially be identified as contaminated.
The outbreak has mainly affected regions in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. It's important to note that some pistachio-containing baked goods, such as Dubai-style chocolate bars and Andalos pastries, are involved, but unknown-brand products in other foods like desserts or salads may also pose a risk.
Lawrence Goodridge, a professor at the University of Guelph, advises against consuming any products containing pistachios until the outbreak is declared over by PHAC. He also notes that it can be difficult to identify the brand of pistachios in baked goods or salads.
In light of the ongoing investigation, commercial kitchens are encouraged to check product codes and compare them to the recall warnings. It's crucial to ensure the safety of the food being served.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also warns against cooking food for others if diagnosed with a salmonella infection. Many illnesses go unreported, according to the agency, which makes it challenging to track the full extent of the outbreak.
At this point in time, there is no indication of additional products being recalled. However, it's too soon to know if other products will be identified as part of the investigation.
Salmonella can spread from an infected person with diarrhea, for instance through unwashed hands. It can also spread several days or weeks after a person is infected, even if they don't have symptoms. Therefore, it's essential to practice good hygiene and avoid consuming potentially contaminated products.
Stay tuned for updates as the investigation continues. If you have any concerns about bulk pistachios, contact the place of purchase, Hexemer advises.
[1] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Salmonella Outbreak Investigation. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/salmonella-outbreak-investigation.html
[2] Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2023). Recall: Pistachios and pistachio-containing products. Retrieved from https://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/recall-alert-retrait-alarme/en/appli/recar/2023/03/01/18985/index.html
[3] CBC News. (2023). Salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios and baked goods sickens 52 in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/salmonella-outbreak-pistachios-baked-goods-canada-1.6765089
[4] Goodridge, L. (2023). Interview on Salmonella Outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/quirks-and-quirks/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-pistachios-and-baked-goods-sickens-52-in-canada-1.6764925
[5] Hexemer, J. (2023). Advice on Recalled Pistachio Products. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/advice-on-recalled-pistachio-products-1.6765094
- To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's advisable to avoid consuming products like pistachios, baked goods, and other food-and-drink items that have been recalled due to the ongoing salmonella outbreak, as the Public Health Agency of Canada continues its investigation.
- In the growing health-and-wellness market, the recent salmonella outbreak in Canada, affecting a variety of food products, highlights the importance of maintaining good nutrition and ensuring the safety of our food-and-drink choices.
- The salmonella outbreak in Canada, caused by strains in pistachios and baked goods, underlines the significance of science-based research in identifying and addressing health risks associated with food-and-drink items.
