Photo credit: CTV News
A temporary ban on Iranian pistachio and pistachio products has been announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency amid a Salmonella outbreak in Canada.
The Toronto Star reports that the CFIA announced the restraints on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation into the nuts and related products after over 100 people across the country have fallen ill.
Under the ban, importers must show proof that products do not originate from Iran. Pistachio shipments will be held and tested for Salmonella contamination or refused entry into Canada without proof they’re not from Iran. The measures will remain in place while the investigation continues.
In a separate alert, the agency also said raw pistachio kernels sold at a west-end Toronto store have been recalled over possible Salmonella contamination. It issued the recall notice for bulk, self-serve pistachio kernels sold between September 11 and September 19 at Kim Natural Food at 219 Roncesvalles Avenue.
On Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada said the outbreak across the country has sickened 105 people, and 16 have been hospitalized. The CFIA has issued 26 recalls of pistachio and pistachio-containing products since July.
Salmonella is a food-borne bacterial illness that can spread for several days or weeks after a person is infected. It can become severe and potentially deadly, particularly in children, pregnant women and elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems
