Canada declares pistachio salmonella outbreak over, keeps Iran import ban

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced that the salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated pistachios has ended. The outbreak, which began in March 2025 and persisted until May 2026, resulted in 200 laboratory‑confirmed cases across six provinces, most notably in Quebec and Ontario. Twenty‑six people were hospitalized; no deaths were reported.

The investigation is now closed, but the Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to prohibit the import of pistachios and pistachio‑containing products from Iran, the identified source of the contamination. Health officials advise consumers to choose alternatives to Iranian pistachios and related products. Recalled items included pistachios and Dubai‑style chocolate that tested positive for salmonella.

Typical symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and headache, appearing 6‑72 hours after exposure. People at higher risk of severe illness are pregnant women, children under five, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.