The Salmonella outbreak linked to imported tahini products has ended. But because these products have a long shelf-life, the risk of illness has not, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its final report.
Achdut Ltd., located in Ari’el, Israel manufactured the products linked to this outbreak. They were sold under a number of brand names, including Achva, Achdut, Soom, S&F, Pepperwood, and Baron’s. The company issued a recall for these products in December 2018. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not eat the recalled products. Consumers who have purchased tahini products sold under these brand names should check lot codes and expiration dates on the posted recall.
Four states reported eight illnesses from the outbreak strain of Salmonella Concord from April 21, 2018 to January 3, 2019. The case-patients ranged in age from 14 to 52 years old. During interviews with health officials, six of them remembered eating tahini or hummus made with tahini in the days before they became ill.
Outbreak investigators used Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to identify the “fingerprint” of the Salmonella outbreak strain. Then, New York City health officials tested food gathered from restaurants where some of the case-patients ate. Tests showed the outbreak strain of Salmonella in Achva brand tahini manufactured by Achdut Ltd. In addition, the FDA tested samples of products it collected at the point of import. Baron’s brand tahini, also made by Achdut Ltd., tested positive for the outbreak strain.
Recent Recalls and Outbreaks
There have been a number of recent recalls and outbreaks linked to butters made from nuts and seeds. These products can become contaminated if bacteria contacts nuts and seeds that have been roasted.
If you have been sickened by recalled tahini or contaminated nut butter, contact the Pritzker Hageman Salmonella lawyers. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation. The toll-free number is 1 (888) 377-8900. Or, use the form below.
