Salmonella-infected chocolate sparks recall, hospitalizes nine individuals

Salmonella-infected chocolate sparks recall, hospitalizes nine individuals

Breaking News: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios and Related Products in Canada

Canada is currently grappling with an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella infections, linked to certain brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products. As of now, a total of 52 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka have been reported across four provinces: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba.

The recalled products were distributed between June 11 and July 9, with a best before date on the label of April 1, 2027. The brands under recall in Canada include:

• Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate bar
• Habibi brand pistachio kernels
• Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand pistachios
• Andalos brand baklava

The Dubai brand chocolate bar, which gained viral popularity, was recalled due to its potential link to the outbreak, although no illnesses have been directly linked to the chocolate itself as of now.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled the Dubai brand chocolate product due to test results, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has updated its recall to a Class I, its highest level.

Health Canada and the CFIA continue to investigate the outbreak and warn consumers of the ongoing salmonella risk associated with these products. The recalled items were distributed primarily in Ontario and Quebec and include products sold online.

Most people with salmonella recover on their own, but a more serious illness is possible that could require hospital care and may lead to long-lasting health effects. Symptoms usually start within six to 72 hours after exposure and most end within four to seven days. They can be difficult to identify and include chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or a sudden headache.

As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products in Canada. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is actively investigating the outbreak and warns that the number of sick people in Canada is likely much higher. The outbreak strains of salmonella that made people sick were found in samples of the recalled Habibi brand of pistachios.

Consumers are advised to check their homes for the recalled products and to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. For more information, visit the CFIA's recall notice at https://foodrecallwatch.ca/recall/dubai-brand-pistachio-knafeh-milk-chocolate-bar-habibi-brand-pistachio-kernels-al-mokhtar-food-centre-brand-pistachios-andalos-brand-baklava/ or contact the CFIA at [1-800-442-2342 / www.inspection.gc.ca/contact/eng/1373.shtml].

In the U.S., the recall targets the Emek spread pistachio cream with kadayif. No illnesses from consuming the recalled product have been reported in the U.S. as a result of this recall.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

1. The salmonella outbreak in Canada has been linked to certain brands of pistachios and related products.
2. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently investigating the outbreak.
3. A total of 52 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka have been reported.
4. The recalled products were distributed between June 11 and July 9.
5. The recalled brands in Canada include Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate bar, Habibi brand pistachio kernels, Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand pistachios, and Andalos brand baklava.
6. The Dubai brand chocolate bar was recalled due to its potential link to the outbreak, although no illnesses have been directly linked to the chocolate itself.
7. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recalled the Dubai brand chocolate product due to test results.
8. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has updated its recall to a Class I, its highest level.
9. Health Canada and the CFIA continue to warn consumers of the ongoing salmonella risk associated with these products.
10. The recalled items were distributed primarily in Ontario and Quebec and include products sold online.
11. Most people with salmonella recover on their own, but a more serious illness is possible that could require hospital care.
12. Symptoms can be difficult to identify and include chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or a sudden headache.
13. As of now, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled products in Canada.
14. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is actively investigating the outbreak and warns that the number of sick people in Canada is likely much higher.
15. The outbreak strains of salmonella that made people sick were found in samples of the recalled Habibi brand of pistachios.
16. Consumers are advised to check their homes for the recalled products and to discard them or return them to the place of purchase.
17. The outbreak of Salmonella infections has been linked to chronic-kidney-disease, since it can cause renal failure.
18. Type-2-diabetes patients are more susceptible to severe symptoms of salmonella.
19. Eye-health can be affected by salmonella, causing conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eye.
20. Hearing implications of salmonella are rare, but can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss.
21. Health-and-wellness industries should be vigilant in monitoring and addressing food safety issues.
22. Fitness-and-exercise can help boost the immune system, aiding in the recovery from salmonella.
23. The manufacturing industry should implement stricter quality checks to prevent such outbreaks.
24. Mental-health can be affected as individuals may experience anxiety or stress related to the outbreak.
25. Skin-care products should not be consumed as a means of self-medication during the outbreak.
26. Therapies-and-treatments, such as antibiotics, may be necessary for severe cases of salmonella.
27. Nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing and recovering from chronic diseases such as salmonella, with a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

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