Ziyad Brothers Importing has issued a recall of its Tahini Sesame Paste with certain lot codes due to a potential contamination of salmonella.

Ziyad Brand Tahini At Risk Of Salmonella Contamination

A random sample testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development found the potential of salmonella contamination. As a precaution, Ziyad Brothers voluntarily recalled its Tahini product although it has not yet received the results of confirmation testing.

Ziyad sells the product in 8-, 16-, and 32-ounce and half-gallon jars with the label "Tahini Sesame Paste." Consumers can look at the lot code and use-by/expiration dates on the cap to see if they have bought a possibly contaminated paste. Other information such as the product code and UPC can be found on Ziyad's official recall notice.

"Consumers who have purchased Ziyad Brand Tahini with these lot codes should discontinue use and return it to the store of purchase for a full refund," Ziyad Brothers said on its press release.

"Retailers that may have further distributed the recalled lot codes should share this notice with their customers."

It further urged consumers and retailers to contact Recall Coordinator Ray Hanania at 708-298-3818 should they have any questions.

Ziyad Brothers Says No Salmonella Infection Reported Yet

There have been no reports of salmonella infection or other illnesses related to Ziyad Brand Tahini as of the publishing of the press release. If anyone, however, develops symptoms of salmonella infection, it is advised to seek medical attention right away.

The salmonella bacteria live in human and animal intestines, causing illnesses ranging from stomach flu (gastroenteritis) to typhoid fever. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, and blood in the stool among others.

An infection may also result in the bacteria getting into the bloodstream, which may cause more serious illnesses. In these rare cases, it can infect any organ in the body and produce symptoms related to the affected organ. It can cause meningitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and other diseases that can lead to death.

Other complications include dehydration as a result of diarrhea and reactive arthritis, which may develop on people who have had salmonella poisoning. The diagnosis and treatment of salmonella infection are straightforward if they do not develop into severe complications, to which compromised individuals, older adults, and young children are at risk.

Infection can be prevented by handling eggs and raw meat carefully and by washing hands frequently.