Recent food safety alerts have prompted the urgent recall of several Dubai chocolate products across Canada due to possible Salmonella contamination in pistachios.
With new brands added almost daily, the Dubai chocolate recall in Canada has quickly become a significant concern for food businesses, especially those that import, distribute or sell specialty confectionery.
If your business handles chocolate or imported food products, it’s important to understand the scope of this recall and how to respond effectively.
The original alert stemmed from food safety officials in the United Arab Emirates who linked a Salmonella outbreak to contaminated pistachios used in several Dubai chocolate products. As Canadian distributors and retailers began importing those same items, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) initiated its own nationwide recall.
Affected products include various Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate products sold under multiple brand names. These were distributed in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, and may also have been sold in other provinces or territories.
Health Canada continues to monitor the situation and has confirmed that the recall is ongoing and may expand as new data emerges.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious food poisoning, especially in children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. While chocolate may seem like a low-risk food, it becomes dangerous when contaminated ingredients such as nuts are involved.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include:
In severe cases, it may lead to hospitalization or long-term health issues. According to Health Canada, anyone who has consumed these products should monitor their health and contact a doctor if symptoms appear.
The CFIA has recalled several chocolate products to date, including but not limited to:
These products were primarily sold through specialty grocers and online retailers. Businesses are urged to remove affected products from shelves immediately and follow disposal or return instructions provided by CFIA.
You can view the full list of recalled products and updates directly on the Health Canada recalls page.
If you run a food business that sells, serves or distributes imported chocolates, you need to act quickly to remain compliant and protect customers.
Here are your legal and operational responsibilities:
Ignoring a recall can lead to legal consequences, reputational damage and even business closure.
Recalls can have wide-reaching consequences, but strong food safety systems can reduce your business’s exposure to risk.
Here are some proactive measures:
Food Handler Certification is more than a legal requirement - it’s a critical part of building a food safety culture that protects your customers and your bottom line.
As the Dubai chocolate recall in Canada proves, food businesses cannot afford to be caught off guard. Your ability to respond to recalls, verify suppliers and follow food safety protocols is critical to protecting your customers and your reputation.
The most effective defence against food safety risks is a well-trained team backed by strong systems and up-to-date certification.
Click here to discover how CIFS can help you protect customers from food-borne illness through expert insights, practical resources and nationally recognized training.