The recent recall of Dubai Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate has now been linked to a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 62 people across Canada, according to an update from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
As of August 15, the investigation remains active, with cases reported in British Columbia (5), Manitoba (1), Ontario (11), and Quebec (45).
Ten people have been hospitalized.
Most of the individuals affected are female, and ages range from 2 to 89.
This follows last week’s recall of pistachio-containing milk chocolates from multiple brands including Dubai, Chocofolie, Chocolats Favoris, Chocolato, and Vincent Sélection.
The recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency after lab tests found Salmonella contamination in both Habibi pistachios and the Dubai chocolate products.
While some of these products were sold online, others were distributed across British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.
Affected items include 145-gram bars of milk chocolate infused with pistachio and knafeh, under various brand names and UPC codes.
The full list of recalled products and codes can be found on the CFIA’s official Recalls and Safety Alerts website.
In a public health notice, officials are warning people not to consume, use, sell, or distribute any of the recalled products.
They also urge consumers to dispose of the chocolates or return them to the place of purchase.
Those who may be experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, or nausea after consuming the products should seek medical advice.
This is especially if they belong to high-risk groups like young children, pregnant people, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
The majority of people affected by Salmonella recover without treatment in about a week.
The outbreak has raised concerns about food safety as more cases may still be reported in the coming weeks.
Public health authorities note that there is often a delay between the time someone becomes sick and when their illness is officially confirmed and reported.
That lag can be between 15 and 55 days after symptoms first appear.
This expanding recall now joins a string of food safety warnings affecting sweet products across the country this year.
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