The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall announcement earlier this month that Achdut Ltd. tahini products may be contaminated with Salmonella Concord.
On November 27, Achdut Ltd. based out of Ari’el, Israel recalled its tahini products because they might be contaminated with Salmonella. At the time this was published, five people in Hawaii, Michigan and New York were infected with the outbreak. The illnesses were reported between June 16, 2018 and October 18, 2018.
Tahini is a condiment used in many Middle Eastern and some Asian dishes. It is made from toasted ground hulled sesame and served either on its own, or a main ingredient in baba ganoush or hummus.
The tahini was sold under several different brand names including Achva, Achdut, Soom, S&F, Pepperwood, and Baron’s. The affected products have expiration dates of April 7, 2020 to May 21, 2020. Baron’s has an expiration date of May 5, 2021. It was distributed both internationally and through mail orders.
The FDA indicated the probable reason for the recall is cross-contamination. According to the agency, the Achdut has already taken steps to eliminate the source of contamination and implemented preventative measures to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
The lot codes range from 18-097 to 19-141 and were sold in 15oz, 16oz, 17.6oz, and 635 (428g, 454g, 500g, 18Kg). If you have one of the recalled tahini products, do not eat it. Even if some was eaten and there was no illness, it is recommended you still do not eat it.
Update (02/08/29): The FDA updated the recall to include tahini products distributed by Soom Foods. The company issued a voluntary recall after the Salmonella Concord concern with Achdut Ltd.
Some of the products listed below were included in the initial Achdut Ltd. recall:
- 12 oz. Chocolate Sweet Tahini Halva Spread 071318CH. Packed from tahini lot 18-123.
Tahini in the following sizes and types:
- 40 lb. Organic Tahini
- 40 lb. Premium Tahini
- 16 oz. Premium Tahini
- 16 oz. Organic Tahini
- 11 oz. Premium Tahini
The tahini product lot codes range from 18-097 through 18-141. In the press release, Soom CEO Shelby Zitelman said, “We would never share food we wouldn’t consume ourselves or feed to our families.”
Salmonella Symptoms
Salmonella is a type of food poisoning that can be fatal for those with compromised immune systems. Children, elderly persons and those with weakened immune systems are at risk of experiencing the worst of the symptoms. In rare instances, salmonella can get into the bloodstream and cause arterial infections, endocarditis or arthritis.
Salmonella symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, nausea and abdominal pain. It usually lasts between four to seven days and begins within 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
For more information about Salmonella and how the lawyers at Johnson//Becker are investigating outbreaks, click here.
Questions About a Salmonella Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you have been diagnosed with salmonella food poisoning after eating tahini produced by Achdut Ltd., you should speak with a food poisoning lawyer to learn more about your legal rights in pursuing a lawsuit.
Not all food poisoning cases should be taken to court. But if your illness is directly tied to the salmonella outbreak, you should investigate the possibility of filing a suit.
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