International Golden Foods, Inc (IGF) of Bensenville, IL has issued a recall for Al Kanater tahini because it may be contaminated with Salmonella. At the time of the recall, the company was unaware of any illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. However, consumers who have purchased this tahini should not eat it as Salmonella can cause serious illness.
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms usually develop within six to 72 hours of exposure. Consumers who ate this product prior to the recall should monitor themselves for symptoms.
The recalled tahini was sold nationwide.
It was sold in 16-oz. jars, with the lot code TT4N‐201127 and the UPC 6‐92551‐00002‐0.
Tahini has been linked to previous Salmonella outbreaks. Like other seed butters or nut butters, tahini is usually not heat-treated after the seeds are roasted. If bacteria isn’t killed during roasting or is introduced after, products can pose a risk. The problem with Al Kanater tahini was discovered through random testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
