More than 300 pistachio products now recalled in ongoing salmonella outbreak

Pistachios. (Pexels/Pixabay)

The number of recalled pistachio products linked to an ongoing salmonella outbreak in Canada has surpassed 300, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

As of Tuesday, there were 305 pistachio products listed on the online recall notice due to the risk of possible salmonella contamination. On Wednesday, the number rose to 310 products.

The updated list of recalled products comes amid a CFIA food safety investigation into imported packaged pistachios and pistachio-containing products.

“The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace,” the recall notice said.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has confirmed 155 laboratory-confirmed illnesses connected to the salmonella outbreak since March, with 24 hospitalizations reported but no deaths, according to a recent update.

Cases have been reported in provinces across the country, and many of the recalled pistachio products are distributed nationally through online sellers.

The recall notice warns that food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but could still cause illness if consumed.

“Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections,” the notice said.

“Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.”

Anyone who believes they have consumed contaminated pistachio products is advised to contact a health-care provider. The recall says recalled products should either be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

Source: With files from CTV News’ Dorcas Marfo