Tahini Recall as Warning Issued to Customers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday reported about a possible salmonella contamination linked to tahini in glass jars that was recalled.

AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al'Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6 ounce glass jars that were distributed to nationwide retail stores that began on May 26, 2023.

Tahini is a Middle-Eastern condiment that consists of a paste made from ground, hulled sesame seeds.

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Salmonella can lead to salmonellosis, one of the most prevalent foodborne bacterial infections. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever emerging within six hours to six days following the consumption of the tainted food, according to the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

As of Friday, AB World Foods has received no reports of illness related to the recalled tahini.

The affected product only applies to Al'Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6 oz glass jars, and can be identified with the UPC number found under the barcode on the back 711464506778. The product also had a best before date of "2024 JL 11" or later. The specific codes being recalled are lot numbers 3031, 3080, 3270, 3297, with corresponding best before date of "2024 JL 31"; "2024 SE 09"; "2025 MR 27"; and "2025 AL 04."

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According to the company's announcement, potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of salmonella. AB World Foods has ceased distribution of the product and will continue their investigation.

"The well-being of its customers is paramount to AB World Foods US," the company said in its announcement.

Newsweek has reached out to AB World Foods US, Inc. via email for comment.

Consumers who have purchased Al'Fez Natural Tahini 5.6oz with the affected lot codes are advised to discontinue use and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

In addition, AB World Foods advises that if a consumer experiences symptoms and believes they may have been exposed to salmonella, they are urged to contact a medical provider.

The majority of individuals recover from salmonella illness after several days without the need for treatment. However, those at higher risk of experiencing severe illness include older adults, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems. If individuals are concerned about potential illness, the FSIS advises them to reach out to their health care provider.

This is not the first time tahini has been recalled due to a possible salmonella contamination. In February, New York-based Roland Foods issued a recall that applied to some containers of Roland Tahini 100% Ground Sesame Seeds 16 oz. as the specific batch was linked to a possible salmonella contamination.

The affected product only applied to Roland Tahini 100% Ground Sesame Seeds 16 oz., and can be identified with the batch number P024581 or by the UPC number found under the bar code on the back of the product.

This comes after 19 recalls were issued for food products during June, according to data from the FDA.