Dubai-brand chocolate recalled in Canada over salmonella outbreak
The illnesses occurred between early March and mid-July, with Quebec reporting the most cases at 39, followed by Ontario with nine, British Columbia with three, and Manitoba with one.
PHAC said the products were distributed to Ontario and Quebec.
Recall warnings have been issued for some products under the brands Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Dubai. Among them is Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate, which was distributed in Quebec and sold online. The chocolate bar, filled with pistachio cream and knafeh pieces, became popular after viral social media reviews.
PHAC said salmonella outbreak strains were detected in recalled Habibi brand pistachios. Investigators warned that additional sources could be identified as the probe continues.
Officials noted that the reported figure reflects only lab-confirmed cases and that the actual number of infections is likely higher, as people with mild symptoms may not seek medical care.
Salmonella is a bacterial illness that can cause fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, and can lead to severe complications in children, pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The infection can spread days or weeks after a person is infected, even without symptoms.
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