As of October 21st, 117 Canadians have reported salmonella poisoning due to pistachios imported from Iran. This includes 17 people, age 2- 95, who have been hospitalized nationwide. People started getting sick in March, and reports increased in September. On September 27th, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) blocked all imports of pistachios from Iran.

This an ongoing health issue that began back in July, when the CFIA published a food recall notification for Habibi brand Pistachio Kernel due to Salmonella. The problem spread after the contaminated product was used in the manufacture of pistachio-containing products such as baklava and cheesecake, and chocolate products. A complete list can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) website

Salmonellosis has a wide range of symptoms.

You may not get sick at all. However, if you do get sick, symptoms usually start within 6 to 72 hours after exposure.

You may experience:

• chills
• a fever
• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• a sudden headache

Most symptoms end within 4 to 7 days. While most people recover completely on their own, some people may have a more serious illness that requires hospital care and may lead to long-lasting health effects or death.

Do not use or consume

Salmonellosis is a food-borne bacterial illness that can affect anyone exposed to a contaminated food product.

People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms. The following guidelines have been issued by the PHAC.

• Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products or any product made with them.
• Throw out or return recalled products to the location where they were purchased. Consumers or establishments who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact their retailer or supplier where the products were purchased.
• Do not cook food for other people if you've been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness.

Contact your health care provider if you think you're experiencing symptoms of Salmonella.