The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced a temporary restriction on the import of pistachios and pistachio-containing products from Iran due to concerns over a salmonella outbreak affecting over 100 individuals nationwide.
In response to the outbreak, CFIA has mandated that all importers of pistachios and related items must provide evidence demonstrating that their products do not originate from Iran to gain entry into Canada. Shipments will undergo testing for salmonella, and those failing to provide proof of non-Iranian origin may face entry refusal or other enforcement measures.
CFIA will uphold these restrictions while evaluating data from ongoing food safety investigations, surveillance efforts, and importer inspections. The agency will continue monitoring imports for compliance with federal regulations and may take enforcement actions against non-compliant importers.
Since July, CFIA has issued recalls for numerous pistachio products related to the salmonella outbreak, as investigated by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The latest PHAC data shows over 100 reported illnesses and 16 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak.
Recalled items suspected of salmonella contamination include various pistachio products like kernels, baklava, ice cream, and chocolate. PHAC suggests that many more individuals may have contracted salmonella but not reported it.
CFIA warns that while salmonella-contaminated food may not exhibit visible signs of spoilage, it can still cause illness. Symptoms for those affected may include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, with potential long-term complications such as severe arthritis.
Consumers are advised to discard or return any recalled products to the purchase location. The CFIA website features a list of recalled items for reference. Stay informed on this developing situation for updates.