A recall has been issued for Karawan brand Tahini sold in 16-ounce jars and 39-pound buckets that were imported from Palestine between December 2018 and January 2019. These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, 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.
Karawan brand Tahini was directly distributed to New York and Texas. Distributors then shipped the product to Massachusetts and Virginia. Specific information on how to identify the product includes:
a. Name of product: Tahini b. Brand name: Karawan Tahini c. Unit size: Jar: 450g (15.87oz) and Buckets: 17kg (599.6 oz) d. Storage conditions: No refrigeration storage needed. e. Expiration Date (s): Two years from the production. The expiration date is located on the lid of the containers. Four illnesses have been reported to date.
This recall has been initiated due to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene laboratory results from two samples of Karawan brand tahini testing positive for Salmonella. Brodt Zenatti Holding LLC has ceased the importation and distribution of the product as FDA and Brodt Zenatti Holding LLC continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
Consumers who have purchased Karawan brand tahini are urged to destroy it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Brodt Zenatti Holding LLC at 305-570-9050, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.