A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Oranienburg infections tied to Emek-brand Pistachio Cream has sickened four people across two states, according to an investigation update from the FDA.
No deaths have been reported, but one person has been hospitalized.
The outbreak spans Minnesota and New Jersey, with illnesses reported as of May 19, 2025. All four individuals reported consuming pistachio cream, and three of them ate it at the same restaurant, providing a key clue to the outbreak’s source.
The Minnesota Department of Health notified the FDA about a cluster of Salmonella illnesses, and two samples of Emek-brand Pistachio Cream tested positive for Salmonella, matching the outbreak strain through Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). This genetic match confirms that the pistachio cream is the likely source of the illnesses.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating to determine the full scope of distribution and whether additional lots or products from the manufacturer, Emek Dogal Saglik Urunleri Iklim Gida Insaat San Tic Ltd Sti in Turkey, are affected.
Product details
Emek-brand Pistachio Cream with a use-by date of October 19, 2026 (TETT: 19/10/26) and production code PNO: 241019 is the focus of the investigation.
The shelf-stable product, packaged in 5-kilogram white tubs, is sold online to wholesale distributors, restaurants, and food service locations nationwide.
The FDA advises consumers, retailers, restaurants, and distributors not to eat, sell, serve or distribute the affected product. Those who have purchased it should dispose of it or follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning recommendations to prevent cross-contamination. Surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the product should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any of the Pistachio Cream and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
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