2013 Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tahini Sesame Paste – Recall & Advice to Consumers

Recall

Product label from Krinos brand tahini sesame paste.

On April 28, 2013, Krinos Foods, LLC of Long Island City, New York recalled its tahini sesame paste because it had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. On May 9, 2013, Krinos Foods expanded its recall to include additional expiration dates. The recalled lots have expiration dates from January 1, 2014 to June 8, 2014 and from October 16, 2014 to March 15, 2015.

The Krinos brand tahini sesame paste was distributed nationwide through retail stores. The recalled tahini sesame paste was sold in one pound glass jars, two pound glass jars, and in 40 pound plastic pails. Krinos Foods has stopped distribution of the recalled product.

Consumers who have the recalled product should discard it and return the gold cap stamped with the expiration date to Krinos Foods for a full refund.

Advice to Consumers, Retailers, and Others

Contaminated Krinos brand tahini sesame paste may still be in people’s homes.

• This product has a long shelf-life, and it may still be in people’s homes.
• Consumers who purchased recalled Krinos brand tahini sesame paste should not eat it and should discard of any remaining product.
• Krinos Foods has encouraged consumers to return the gold cap stamped with the expiration date for a full refund.

What to do if you have recalled Krinos brand tahini sesame paste in your home:

• Discard the product immediately.
• Even if some of the tahini sesame paste has been eaten without anyone becoming ill, the rest of the product should be discarded.
• The product should be disposed of in a closed plastic bag and placed in a sealed trash can. This will prevent people or animals from eating it.

Contaminated Krinos brand tahini sesame paste may make people sick.

• CDC recommends that consumers do not eat recalled tahini sesame paste and discard any remaining product.
  • This is especially important for children under the age of 5 years, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
• Persons who think they might have become ill from eating possibly contaminated tahini sesame paste should consult their health care providers.
  • Symptoms include:
    • Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.
    • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment.
    • See Signs and Symptoms for more information.

Retailers, restaurants, and food service operators should not sell or serve recalled Krinos brand tahini sesame paste.