Two California spice companies Monday recalled sesame seeds after learning from their supplier that the products may be contaminated with Salmonella.  No illnesses have yet been associated with either of the recalls.

City of Industry, CA-based Julia’s Spices Inc. Monday recalled all hulled sesame seeds it produced between Nov. 17, 2009 and Feb. 25,2010 for possible Salmonella contamination.

Julia’s said it learned of the problem from its supplier, which it did not name.

The hulled sesame seeds involved are also known as white sesame seeds.  They are sold through retail stores in plastic bags.  The recalled products include:

3.5 oz. Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli/Sesame Seed with UPC #810338001330′

1 9/16th oz Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli/Sesame Seed with UPC #810338000043′

1 9/16th oz Julia’s Spices Ajonjoli/Sesame Seed with UPC #810338020027′

Consumers who have purchased any of these items are urged to return them to their place of purchase.

Consumers with any questions may contact Julia’s Spices Inc, at 626-369-5525 between the hours of 1 p.m.-4 p.m. PST Monday through Wednesday.

Spice Industrial Group Inc., also based in City of Industry, recalled Lian How White Sesame Seeds supplied by Specialty Commodities Corp, distributed between Nov. 6 and Dec. 11, 2009.

The product recalled by Spice Industrial is packaged in 5 lb. white plastic bags with Specialty Commodities Corp. labels.   They were distributed to retail stores, restaurants, and wholesalers in Southern California.

Consumers who have purchased any of the 5 lb. bags are urged to return them to their place of purchase.

Consumers with any questions may contact Spice Industrial Group Inc., at 626-854-8880 between the hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.

Salmonella is an organism, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, and vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.