Phoenicia Group Inc. of Ottawa, Canada, is recalling Al-Rabih brand Tahini because of possible Salmonella contamination. This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. 

The Tahini was distributed in Ontario, Quebec and possibly nationally in Canada. The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled product from the marketplace.

Recalled product:

Brand Product Size UPC Codes
Al-Rabih Tahini (100% Sesame) – Sesame Paste 454 g 7 70338 10053 5

Lot #157 29420

Best before 22/OC/19

The CFIA recommends that consumers check to see if they have the recalled product in their home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

As of the posting of this recall, there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has handled any of the recalled Tahini and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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