The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has significantly broadened a food safety warning, now recalling close to 300 different products containing pistachios due to potential contamination with salmonella. The expanded alert, updated on December 18, 2025, affects items sold across the country.
Scope of the Nationwide Recall
Initially focused on specific bulk pistachios sold at a store in Calgary, the recall has grown into one of the year's most extensive food safety actions. The CFIA's updated list now encompasses a wide range of products, from snack mixes and baked goods to trail mixes and standalone bags of pistachios, sold under numerous brand names at grocery stores, bulk food retailers, and wholesalers.
The agency is advising consumers from coast to coast to check their homes for the affected items. The recall was triggered by test results indicating the possible presence of Salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
Health Risks and Consumer Advice
Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, typically leads to symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting within 6 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. While healthy adults often recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe for vulnerable populations.
Health Canada and the CFIA are urging Canadians not to eat, serve, use, sell, or distribute any of the recalled products. Consumers should either throw the items out or return them to the place of purchase. The agencies emphasize that food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, making it essential to rely on the recall notices.
Ongoing Investigation and Industry Impact
The investigation by the CFIA is ongoing, which means the list of recalled products could continue to grow. Food safety officials are working with distributors and importers to trace the source of the contamination and remove all affected items from the marketplace.
This large-scale recall highlights the interconnected nature of Canada's food supply chain, where a single contaminated ingredient can end up in hundreds of different products on store shelves. It also serves as a critical reminder for consumers to stay informed about food recall alerts, which are regularly posted on the CFIA and Health Canada websites.
As of the latest update, no illnesses have been directly linked to the recalled pistachios in Canada. However, the CFIA's precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential outbreak. The agency has stated it will notify the public if any confirmed illnesses are reported.
