Canada’s year‑long salmonella outbreak tied to pistachios imported from Iran continues to expand, with federal health officials confirming that nearly 190 people have now fallen ill. The investigation, which began last spring, has triggered a steady stream of product recalls as contaminated nuts continue to surface in homes and retail outlets.
The outbreak has proven unusually persistent because pistachios have a long shelf life and are often sold in bulk or repackaged under different brand names. That makes it difficult for consumers to know whether the nuts in their pantry originated from Iran, where the contaminated shipments were traced.
Health officials say new cases are still being reported, and they’re urging Canadians to avoid pistachios from Iran entirely until the investigation is complete. The warning applies not only to raw pistachios but also to snack mixes, baked goods, chocolates, and other products that may contain them.
The illnesses have been reported across multiple provinces, with the highest numbers in Ontario and Quebec. While most people recover without treatment, salmonella infections can cause severe dehydration, high fever, and complications requiring hospitalization — particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency continues to issue recalls as new information emerges, and officials say more advisories are possible. Consumers are being asked to check their cupboards, discard any pistachios of uncertain origin, and monitor recall alerts closely.
The investigation remains active, and authorities say the safest approach for now is simple: when in doubt, throw it out.
Which Iranian Pistachio Brands Are Available in Canada?
Based on exporter disclosures and trade listings:
Available or Distributed in Canada
- Hiva Nuts explicitly lists Canada as one of its export destinations.
- Rahmani Group exports to 90 countries, which includes Canada through wholesalers and ethnic food distributors.
- IRNUTS, Pariz Nuts, and Golshan Nuts all ship globally, and their products appear in North American import channels — though not always under their own brand names.
Important Note
Iranian pistachios often enter Canada through:
- Bulk imports
- Private‑label packaging
- Ethnic grocery distributors
- Repackaged snack brands
So the brand on the shelf may not match the exporter’s name.
