Public Health Agency of Canada

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pistachios - 155 Illnesses, 24 Hospitalizations

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is reporting an active Salmonella outbreak investigation linked to various brands of pistachios and pistachio-containing products. The outbreak has resulted in 155 reported illnesses and 24 hospitalizations across six provinces. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued food recalls for affected products.

HPTA Biosecurity Amendments Receive Royal Assent

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced that amendments to the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HPTA) received Royal Assent on March 27, 2026. The amendments modernize biosecurity oversight for scientific research by adding provisions for remote technology access to containment facilities, clarifying roles and responsibilities for regulated parties, improving security screening requirements, reducing incident reporting thresholds, and modernizing compliance and enforcement measures. Affected entities include universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and food industry quality control operations.

VIAP Launches April 1 for Vaccine Injury Support

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced it will begin administering the Vaccine Impact Assistance Program (VIAP) on April 1, 2026, replacing the third-party administrator Oxaro Inc. VIAP provides financial support to Canadians (except Quebec) who experienced serious and permanent injury from Health Canada authorized vaccines administered in Canada on or after December 8, 2020. PHAC will work to address the existing backlog of applications while improving consistency and transparency of the claims process.

E. coli O26 Outbreak Linked to Pillsbury Brand Pizza Pops

PHAC issued an update on an active E. coli O26 outbreak linked to certain Pillsbury brand Pizza Pops products. The outbreak has resulted in 29 illnesses across 7 provinces, with 7 hospitalizations and no deaths reported. A food recall is in effect for affected products, and PHAC advises consumers not to consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute the recalled items.

Dr. Joss Reimer Appointed Chief Public Health Officer for Three-Year Term

The Government of Canada appointed Dr. Joss Reimer as Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) for a three-year term commencing April 1, 2026. Dr. Reimer succeeds Dr. Theresa Tam and brings extensive public health expertise including experience as past President of the Canadian Medical Association and Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She takes the role at a time when Canada faces multiple public health challenges including measles resurgence, avian influenza A(H5N1), HIV, tuberculosis, and the illegal drug crisis.