Tahini Recall Issued Over Salmonella Food Poisoning Outbreak

A nationwide recall has been issued for Karawan brand Tahini, after federal investigators linked the product to a multistate salmonella food poisoning outbreak.

The Karawan Tahini recall was announced by the FDA on May 17. Three days later,

the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) issued a food safety alert, warning about reports of salmonella infections linked to the tainted Karawan tahini.

The outbreak involves illnesses reported between March 9 and March 23, 2019 in at least three different states: Massachusetts, New York and Texas. The tainted tahini has sickened at leat four people and hospitalized one person.

The recall came after contamination was found in two samples tested by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tested positive for a strain of Salmonella.

Brodt Zenatti, the manufacturer, recalled all tahini products imported from December 2018 to April 2019, including 16-ounce plastic jars and 39-pound buckets. The product is labeled as “Karawan Tahini” or “El-Karawan Tahini.”

Most people who become infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after eating the tainted product. Illnesses usually last four to seven days and most people recover without needing medical attention.

In some severe cases, patients experience severe infection and require hospitalization because the infection spreads from the intestines to the blood stream or other areas. Infants and elderly persons face an especially high risk of infection because of weakened immune systems.

The CDC recommends retailers stop selling or serving the recalled tahini. Additionally, any products made with the tahini, such as hummus or salads, should not be eaten.

Consumers should throw the tainted product away and not eat any products made with the infected tahini because they could be contaminated with Salmonella. Consumers and retailers using the affected tahini in food should sanitize any surfaces that came into contact with the tahini, including containers or cooking utensils

Consumers who ate the recalled product should contact their doctor immediately to determine if medical attention is needed immediately.

The Salmonella outbreak investigation is ongoing and the CDC will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Customers who have purchased the recalled products are being urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or destroy it. Customers with questions can call Brodt Zenatti Holding LLC at 305-570-9050.