Canada: Two Companies are Recalling Tahini for Salmonella

Ottawa, August 31, 2013 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Sesameco are warning the public, food service establishments, and retailers, not to consume, serve, use, or sell the Tahini product described below because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected Tahini product was sold by the manufacturer, Sesameco.  The affected product was sold from March 5, 2013 to May 15, 2013 in 18 kg (40 lb.) packages bearing no label and no lot code indicated on the package.

The affected product was sold in bulk and may have been repacked at retail.  Consumers who cannot determine the original product identity are advised to check with their retailer to determine if they have the affected product yet.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product yet.

The second manufacturer is the Phoenicia Group Inc. They are warning the public, food service establishments, and retailers, not to consume, serve, use, or sell the Tahini products described below because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The following Tahini products, sold commencing February 1, 2013 with no lot code indicated on the package, are affected by this alert. This alert does not include Cedar brand Tahini products where a lot code appears on the package.

Some of the affected products were sold in bulk and may have been repacked at retail.  Consumers who cannot determine the original product identity are advised to check with their retailer to determine if they have one of the affected products.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products yet..

The distributor, Inc., St-Laurent, Quebec, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace.

All Tahina products, manufactured by Al Nakhil Co, of Lebanon between September 5, 2012 and April 21, 2013, are affected by this alert. At this time, the following products have been identified:

Affected products are Ceder brand Tahini in 907 g (2 lb) size. The UPC code is 0 62356 54525 3. The labels indicate "Product of Canada"  It is also sold in 18 kg (40 lb with a UPC code 0 62356 54522 2

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.