Canada Requires Salmonella Testing for Iranian Pistachios as 155 Outbreak Cases Confirmed
In light of the Canadian salmonellosis outbreak linked to imported pistachios that has sickened more than 150 people, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is now requiring mandatory Salmonella testing for all Iranian pistachios.
Between March and November 2025, 155 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella have been reported across six Canadian provinces, resulting in 24 hospitalizations; no deaths have been reported. These cases comprise 12 Salmonella serotypes: S. Agona, S. Anatum, S. Bareilly, S. Branderup, S. Corvallis, S. Havana, S. Kottbus, S. Mbandaka, S. Meleagridis, S. Ohio, S. Senftenberg, and S. Tennessee.
Many of the outbreak patients reported becoming sick after eating pistachios and products containing pistachios (e.g., Dubai-style chocolate, pastries). Subsequent testing revealed the outbreak strains of Salmonella in samples of recalled pistachios and samples of the recalled Dubai-style chocolate. The investigation is ongoing.
Since September 27, Canada has temporarily banned the import of pistachios and pistachio-containing products from Iran as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of salmonellosis.
On December 2, CFIA announced that it is now mandatory for all federally licensed importers and manufacturers that have Iranian pistachios that were imported prior to September 27, to hold and test them for Salmonella before they can be sold in Canada. This includes any products that were made with pistachios from Iran that are not already recalled.
Looking for quick answers on food safety topics?
Try Ask FSM, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask FSM →
