Fact check: Dubai-brand chocolate recalled in Canada due to salmonella outbreak linked to UAE?

Dubai: A salmonella outbreak in Canada has prompted a recall of certain pistachio and pistachio-containing products, including chocolate bars branded as "Dubai." This recall in Canada has led to questions about whether the recalled items actually originate from Dubai or the UAE.

According to Canadian media and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the outbreak has resulted in 52 confirmed cases of Salmonella Havana and Salmonella Mbandaka across four provinces, with nine people hospitalised. The illnesses were reported between early March and mid-July.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued recall warnings for multiple pistachio-based products sold under the brands Habibi, Al Mokhtar Food Centre, and Dubai. These recalls were based on the detection of the outbreak strains of salmonella in some of the products.

Which products were recalled?

Among the recalled items were: Habibi brand pistachios (10 kg bulk) with a best-before date of January 2027, distributed by Green Farm Pistachio Inc, Al Mokhtar Food Centre brand pistachios (450g) sold in Ottawa, Dubai brand Pistachio & Knafeh Milk Chocolate bars (145g), distributed in Quebec and also sold online.

The Dubai-brand chocolate bars were produced for the Quebec-based company Distribution Bonbons JJ Candy. These bars were available both in-store and via online platforms in Canada.

At the time of publishing this report, neither Dubai nor UAE authorities have issued an official statement regarding the Canadian recalls. However, it is important to clarify that while the product bears the Dubai brand name, this does not indicate that the pistachios or the final product were sourced from Dubai or the UAE.

Where was it manufactured?

As of now, the country of origin of the pistachios involved in the outbreak has not been confirmed publicly by Canadian authorities.

The recalled products were mainly distributed in Ontario and Quebec, but may also have been used in baked goods at retail and food service establishments. Consumers in Canada or those who may have purchased these products online are advised not to consume them and to follow local health advisories.

Canadian authorities have directed those seeking further information regarding the Dubai-branded chocolate bars to the Canadian distributor, Distribution Bonbons JJ Candy.

What is Dubai chocolate?

The original Dubai chocolate is a decadent milk chocolate bar that uses pistachio cream and knafeh (crnchy shredded phyllo dough) filling. It was created by the UAE-based company Fix Dessert Chocolatier. It gained massive popularity for its rich Middle Eastern-inspired flavors and luxurious packaging.

Marketed as a premium product, it went viral on social media platforms in 2023 and 2024, quickly becoming a sought-after treat across the GCC and beyond. Due to its online fame, numerous imitations and copycat versions began appearing in various countries, often bearing similar names and packaging but produced without any connection to the original UAE-based brand.

This has led to widespread confusion about the origin and authenticity of so-called "Dubai chocolate" products now sold in global markets.

Salmonella case in US

Last month, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) clarified that the widely known Dubai chocolate products sold in the UAE are free from any salmonella contamination. 

This followed an American retail company recalling a batch of Dubai chocolate due to concerns over possible salmonella contamination.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company World Market recalled the ‘Emek Spread Pistachio CaCao Cream With Kadayef’ product due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated after product samples tested positive for salmonella during routine FDA inspections.

However, FDA confirmed that the affected product is limited to US markets.

MOCCAE) clarified that the product was merely inspired by the distinctive flavours associated with the original Dubai chocolate and reiterated its ongoing commitment to monitoring food safety and protecting public health, in coordination with all relevant authorities.