Quebec health inspectors are warning of several additional pistachio recalls affecting the Montreal area, all due to a risk of Salmonella contamination. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), along with the Food Inspection Division of the City of Montreal, are warning the public not to consume pistachios sold by the following companies: The warnings follow several other recalls over contaminated pistachios at establishments across Canada, triggering a national outbreak of Salmonella infections. People who have this product are advised not to consume it. They should return it to where it was purchased or discard it. Even if the affected product does not show any signs of spoilage or a suspicious odour, eating it may pose a health risk, the food inspection agency said. MAPAQ warns that eating food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. The illness can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. In healthy people, it can cause short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, sometimes with blood in the stool. Symptoms usually appear six to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. They last an average of three to seven days. Salmonellosis can lead to long-term complications, including severe arthritis. Anyone who thinks they might have symptoms related to Salmonella should consult a health professional, MAPAQ said.
