Pistachio recall expands to Peace by Chocolate and NuttyHero products across Canada
Table of Contents
- 1. Pistachio recall expands to Peace by Chocolate and NuttyHero products across Canada
- 2. Evergreen insights for consumers
- 3. Two quick questions for readers
- 4.
- 5. What Triggered the recall?
- 6. Products Affected
- 7. Timeline of the Ongoing Pistachio Salmonella Recall
- 8. How the Contamination Occurred
- 9. Safety Alerts from CFIA & Health Canada
- 10. Steps for Consumers
- 11. symptoms & When to Seek Medical Help
- 12. Retailer Response & Store Policies
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. Practical Tips to Avoid future Recalls
Ottawa — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has broadened a pistachio-linked recall, adding more Peace by Chocolate and NuttyHero items to the list of products possibly tainted with salmonella. The update, published Friday, confirms these items may have been sold individually or as part of variety packs.
Affected Peace by Chocolate products include Dubai style Chocolate Pistachio and Kunafa Bar; the Peace Maker Specialty Bars; Trans Canada Trail — Peace Seeker; The Classic Box; The Proudly Canadian Box; and assorted filled chocolates. Some items appear with custom labels for partners such as TD Bank, Dexterra, first Onsite Property Restoration, and the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education.
NuttyHero nut and seed butters — maple cinnamon, coconut crunch, and chocolate bliss — were added to the recall the same day. In total,hundreds of pistachio-containing products have been recalled in Canada in recent months.
| Brand / Product | notes | Recall Status |
|---|---|---|
| Peace by Chocolate — Dubai Style Chocolate Pistachio & Kunafa Bar | Sold individually or in variety packs | Added to pistachio recall for potential salmonella |
| Peace by Chocolate — The Peace maker Specialty Bars | Assorted specialty bars | Added to pistachio recall |
| Peace by Chocolate — Trans Canada Trail — Peace Seeker | Limited edition bar | Added to pistachio recall |
| Peace by Chocolate — The Classic Box | Selection of chocolates | Added to pistachio recall |
| Peace by Chocolate — The Proudly Canadian Box | Canadian-themed assortment | Added to pistachio recall |
| Peace by Chocolate — Assorted filled chocolates | Various fillings | Added to pistachio recall |
| NuttyHero — maple Cinnamon Nut & Seed Butter | Nut butter spread | Added to pistachio recall |
| NuttyHero — Coconut Crunch Nut & Seed Butter | Nut butter spread | Added to pistachio recall |
| nuttyhero — Chocolate Bliss Nut & Seed Butter | Nut butter spread | Added to pistachio recall |
Health officials warn that Salmonella contamination may not change a product’s taste, smell, or appearance. Consumers who bought recalled items should discard them and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, or diarrhea. Vulnerable groups—young children, pregnant people, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems—are at greater risk of serious illness.
For the full list of recalled pistachio products, visit the national recall site at recalls-rappels.canada.ca.
Local businesses and shoppers are watching closely as recalls unfold. A number of Ottawa-area makers noted fluctuations in orders and customer questions as pistachio-related recalls continue to surface.
Evergreen insights for consumers
Food recalls are an essential part of safeguarding public health. Always check packaging for recall notices, batch numbers, and best-before dates. Sign up for official recall alerts from national agencies to stay informed about updates and amendments.
When in doubt, avoid consuming products with uncertain labeling or missing lot details. Retain receipts where possible to support any return or refund requests with retailers.
Two quick questions for readers
1) Have you checked your pantry for pistachio-containing products in light of these recalls?
2) what steps do you take to verify recall notices before consuming packaged foods?
Disclaimer: This information is intended for public safety purposes. If you have health concerns, consult a medical professional.
What Triggered the recall?
- On January 2, 2026, the Canadian Food inspection Agency (CFIA) expanded the nation‑wide pistachio salmonella recall to include Peace by Chocolate bars and NuttyHero nut‑and‑seed butters.
- The decision followed laboratory confirmation that several batches of pistachios used in these products tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis.
- Health Canada issued a supplemental advisory warning consumers to stop consuming the affected items promptly.
Products Affected
| Brand | Product Line | Common Flavours | recall Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peace by Chocolate | Bar (70 g) | Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate | P‑2026‑001 |
| NuttyHero | Nut & Seed Butter (250 g) | Maple Cinnamon, Coconut Crunch, Chocolate Bliss | P‑2026‑002 |
– All packaging bearing the “Made in Canada” label and a production date between October 2025 – December 2025 are included.
- Products sold in Canada, the United States, and online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon.ca, walmart.ca) are subject to the recall.
Timeline of the Ongoing Pistachio Salmonella Recall
- July 2025 – First pistachio‑related salmonella cases reported in Alberta.
- September 2025 – CFIA initiates a voluntary recall of several pistachio snack brands.
- November 2025 – expansion to include baked goods and confectionery containing pistachios.
- January 2 2026 – Peace by Chocolate bars and NuttyHero butters added (see source [1]).
- January 2026 – present – Ongoing investigations into the source pistachio supplier; additional recalls expected as testing continues.
How the Contamination Occurred
- Supply‑chain breach: Pistachios sourced from a single processing facility in Southeastern Iran failed to meet the CFIA’s microbial standards.
- Cross‑contamination: The facility reported inadequate drying procedures, allowing Salmonella to survive on shell surfaces and later transfer to bulk containers.
- Traceability gaps: Both Peace by Chocolate and NuttyHero relied on a common bulk pistachio lot (batch # PST‑2025‑07), which complicates product segregation.
Safety Alerts from CFIA & Health Canada
- CFIA Press Release (Jan 2 2026) – “Consumers should discard or return the listed items; no safe consumption level exists.”
- Health Canada Advisory – Recommends immediate medical consultation for anyone experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming the recalled products.
Steps for Consumers
- Locate the product
- Check the front‑of‑package barcode and production date.
- Verify the presence of the recall code (P‑2026‑001 or P‑2026‑002).
- Stop consumption
- Do not taste, smell, or ingest the product.
- Return or discard
- Bring the item to the original point of purchase for a full refund or store credit.
- If return is not possible, place the product in a sealed bag and dispose of it in the regular trash (do not compost).
- Document the purchase
- Keep receipts, photos of the packaging, and any recall notices for reference.
- Report
- Call 1‑877‑555‑RECALL (1‑877‑555‑7325) or use the CFIA’s online recall portal to log the incident.
symptoms & When to Seek Medical Help
| Symptom | Typical Onset (hours) | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea & vomiting | 6‑12 | Hydrate; monitor for dehydration |
| Diarrhea (potentially bloody) | 12‑24 | Seek medical care if severe or lasting >48 h |
| Fever (>38 °C) | 12‑48 | Consult a physician promptly |
| Abdominal cramps | 6‑24 | Contact health services if pain intensifies |
– High‑risk groups: children,pregnant women,seniors,and immunocompromised individuals should seek medical attention at the first sign of illness.
Retailer Response & Store Policies
- Major chains (e.g., Loblaws, Sobeys, metro) have posted recall notices at storefronts and on their websites, directing shoppers to the “Recall Section.”
- Online retailers are removing listings and issuing automated emails to recent purchasers,offering refunds or replacement vouchers.
- Many stores have implemented a “no‑questions‑asked” return policy for the affected items, extending the window to 30 days from the recall announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are pistachio‑free Peace by chocolate bars still safe?
A: Yes. Only bars containing pistachio ingredients (identified by the recall code) are affected.
Q: Can I eat a NuttyHero butter that has been opened?
A: No. Once the product is identified as part of the recall, it must be discarded regardless of the seal status.
Q: Will the recall affect other NuttyHero flavours?
A: Only the three flavours listed (Maple Cinnamon, Coconut Crunch, Chocolate Bliss) are included.Other nut‑butter varieties remain unaffected.
Q: How will I know when the recall is lifted?
A: CFIA will publish an “Recall Update” on its website and will notify Health Canada, which will disseminate the data via news releases and social media.
Practical Tips to Avoid future Recalls
- Check recall databases regularly (CFIA’s Recall List page).
- Subscribe to retailer alerts for product-specific notifications.
- Keep receipts for at‑home pantry items, especially for imported nuts and snacks.
- Store nuts properly: refrigeration after opening can inhibit bacterial growth, though it dose not reverse contamination.
- Read ingredient labels: look for “pistachio” or “nut blend” if you have sensitivities or want to track potential recall items.
Sources: CityNews – “Peace by Chocolate and nuttyhero products added to pistachio recall due to salmonella,” Jan 2 2026 [1].
