Salmonella concerns spark more pistachio nut recalls in B.C.

Health Canada has recalled two types of pistachios, which are sold in bulk at a Calgary store, for possible salmonella contamination. (Pexels/Pixabay)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling various pistachio nuts from numerous Vancouver stores because they could be contaminated with salmonella.

The recall applies to Persian-style pistachios with saffron, sold at Lena Market on 4th Avenue and Aria Market on Bidwell Street. Vancouver distributor Kowsar Holding and two Shiraz Farm Markets in Coquitlam, on Clarke Road and Nicola Avenue, have also had their lime and saffron in-shell pistachios and lime saffron roasted pistachios recalled, respectively.

Brands subject to the recall include Pegah and Vicinity Mart.

Anyone who bought pistachio nuts from the listed places is advised to throw them out or return them to the store that they were bought from.

The agency recommends anyone who believes they have gotten sick after eating the nuts to contact their health-care provider.

“Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but can still make you sick,” the agency said in the recall notice.

Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections, the agency said. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Long-term complications of consuming food contaminated with salmonella can include severe arthritis, the agency warned.