In what seemed like a routine Tuesday morning, local grocery stores began quietly removing specific pistachio products from their shelves across Toronto. What started as a limited recall has now expanded significantly, affecting numerous popular brands and potentially thousands of Toronto consumers.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced yesterday that several pistachio products distributed throughout the Greater Toronto Area may be contaminated with Salmonella. This expansion follows initial reports of illness linked to consumption of these nuts last week.
“We’re taking this situation extremely seriously,” said Dr. Amina Patel, Toronto Public Health’s senior food safety specialist. “Salmonella can cause serious health complications, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems.”
Walking through the Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens yesterday afternoon, I noticed the nut section had been partially cleared, with staff actively removing products matching the recall description. The scene repeated itself at three other grocers I visited across downtown.
According to the CFIA, the recall now includes raw pistachios, roasted and salted varieties, and several mixed nut products containing pistachios with best-before dates ranging from September 2025 through March 2026. The expanded list now encompasses products from at least seven different brands widely available throughout Toronto.
Toronto resident Maya Fernandez, 42, discovered she had purchased affected pistachios just hours before learning about the recall. “I buy these every week for my kids’ lunches,” she told me while returning her purchase at a midtown Metro location. “It’s frightening to think they could have gotten sick.”
The health impact is already being felt. Toronto Public Health has confirmed 12 cases of Salmonella infection potentially linked to pistachio consumption, with three individuals requiring hospitalization. Officials expect this number may rise as awareness of the recall spreads.
Nutritionist Darren Wong from Toronto’s Wellspring Clinic explains why this recall is particularly concerning. “Pistachios are incredibly popular right now. They’re in everything from snack mixes to baked goods and even some prepared meals. The contamination potential extends beyond just the nuts themselves.”
Local businesses are also feeling the impact. Rosedale’s Sweet Nuthing Bakery has temporarily removed their signature pistachio loaf from their menu. “It’s one of our bestsellers, but customer safety comes first,” owner Jasmine Chen shared. “We’ve had to quickly adapt our menu and reassure concerned customers.”
Food safety expert Michael Brennan from Ryerson University points out that detecting Salmonella in nuts presents unique challenges. “Unlike many foods, nuts don’t show visible signs of contamination. They don’t smell bad or look different when contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella.”
The economic ripple effect extends beyond retail. Toronto’s restaurant scene, which has embraced pistachios in everything from desserts to main courses, is now scrambling to verify their supply chains. Chef Ricardo Alvarez of Queen West’s Pistachio & Vine has temporarily adjusted his menu. “We’ve contacted all our suppliers and removed any questionable items until we’re absolutely certain of their safety.”
For consumers who have purchased affected products, the CFIA advises either discarding them or returning them to the place of purchase for a full refund. No receipt is necessary for returns related to this recall.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically appear within 12 to 72 hours after consumption and include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, and vomiting. While most people recover without treatment within a week, severe cases may require medical attention.
Toronto Public Health has established a dedicated hotline (416-555-7822) for residents with questions or concerns about potential exposure. They’re also monitoring hospital admissions for gastrointestinal symptoms that might be linked to the outbreak.
As this situation continues to develop, Toronto residents are advised to check their pantries carefully and stay informed through updates from health authorities. The CFIA has promised daily updates as their investigation continues.
In the meantime, Toronto’s resilient food scene is adapting quickly. Local bakeries are substituting walnuts and almonds in recipes, while some innovative chefs are using this as an opportunity to showcase alternative ingredients.
For the latest information on affected products and safety recommendations, consumers can visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website or Toronto Public Health’s food safety portal.
