The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned of possible salmonella contamination linked to a specific batch of tahini which has been recalled.
Roland Foods of New York, issued the recall applying to some containers of Roland Tahini 100% Ground Sesame Seeds 16 oz, distributed to various states through retail stores and outlets from September 2023 through January 2024.
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).
However, as of Wednesday Roland Foods has received no reports of illness related to the recalled tahini.
The affected product only applies 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 barcode on the back of the product.
In addition, consumers can identify the product with a best by date of October 19, 2024 printed in black ink on the label near the top of the bottle.
Although the FDA determined that the recalled product was the result of a routine sampling program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, it revealed that the product tested positive for Salmonella.
Newsweek has reached out to the FDA via email for comment.
Roland Foods has ceased distribution of the product and has initiated an investigation in partnership with the manufacturer to determine the cause of the problem.
It says on its website: "Roland Foods, LLC ("Roland Foods") of New York, New York is recalling a specific production code of Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems."
Newsweek reached out to Roland Foods via email for comment.
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 healthcare provider.
The tahini recall is only the latest of food products to be recalled in connection to illnesses such as salmonella.
The FDA has already announced more than 50 food-related recalls in 2024, fueling concerns from Americans that they are on the rise.
A nationwide warning of salmonella earlier this month caused a range of cured meats to be recalled over fears they are contaminated.
The FSIS worked with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health officials to investigate a multistate outbreak of salmonella. Earlier this month Fratelli Beretta, also known as Busseto Foods, recalled an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under-processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Natalie Venegas is a Weekend Reporter at Newsweek based in New York. Her focus is reporting on education, social justice ... Read more
