Turkana Food recalls Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste for Salmonella 

Here’s what you should know:

• Date: February 6, 2025
• Announced by: FDA
• Company: Turkana Food Inc.
• Brand: Aleppo
• Product: Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste
• Cause of Issue: Potential Salmonella contamination

Keep reading to find out more!

What happened?

On February 6, Turkana Food Inc. from Kenilworth, NJ recalled 858 cases OF Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste was distributed in the states of FL, KY, VA, NY, NJ, TN, MA, TX, Il, IN, MI, RI, PA, NC, MD, VA, OH, AL, MO, CA. This was the result of a routine sampling performed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained Salmonella. The company has ceased production and distribution of the products as the FDA and the company continue their investigation to what caused the problem.

What caused the issue?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause a range of infections in the digestive system, commonly known as salmonellosis. While most healthy individuals will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover within a few days, certain groups of people are more vulnerable to serious illness or even life-threatening complications. Salmonella is a leading cause of food recalls, especially in poultry, posing serious health risks and industry disruptions. However, advancements in food safety technology are addressing this challenge, with new studies and testing methods—like Neogen’s latest Salmonella test—offering faster, more precise detection to help prevent contamination. Here’s a breakdown of the health risks and the groups who are at the greatest risk:

General Symptoms of Salmonella Infection:

• Fever
• Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps

In some cases, the infection may spread to other parts of the body beyond the intestines, leading to more severe conditions like:

• Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream)
• Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining)
• Arthritis (joint pain and inflammation)
• Infected aneurysms (dilated blood vessels that can rupture)

At-Risk Groups:

• Young Children: Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infections.
• Elderly Adults: The immune system weakens with age, increasing the likelihood of more severe illness.
• People with Weakened Immune Systems: This includes individuals with chronic diseases, those on immunosuppressive medications, or people with conditions like cancer or HIV/AIDS.

In these vulnerable populations, Salmonella infections can cause more severe health problems that may require hospitalization or even lead to long-term health consequences.

10 questions you might have:

1. What is Salmonella, and how did it get into the tahini?
   • Salmonella is a bacteria commonly found in raw meat, eggs, and some plant-based foods. In this case, it was likely introduced during the processing of the sesame seeds used in the tahini, either from contaminated soil or improper handling.
2. How can I tell if the tahini I bought is affected?
   • Check for Lot Number 120824-01, the UPC code 854643003054, and the expiration date August 2026. These details are printed on the packaging, either on the lid or the side of the jar.
3. Is it safe to consume tahini if I don’t have the affected lot number?
   • If your tahini doesn’t have the recalled lot number, UPC, or expiration date listed above, it should be safe. But if you’re still unsure, it’s always best to contact the manufacturer directly.
4. What should I do if I’ve eaten some of the tahini already?
   • If you’ve consumed it and feel fine, there’s no need to panic. However, if you begin to experience symptoms like stomach cramps, fever, or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you fall into a vulnerable group.
5. Are there any reports of illnesses related to this recall?
   • As of now, no illnesses have been confirmed. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry, which is why the recall is in place.
6. Can the contamination affect people who are generally healthy?
   • Yes, while healthy individuals may only experience mild symptoms like stomach cramps or diarrhea, Salmonella can still make anyone feel pretty miserable. The key concern is for vulnerable groups, where the infection can cause more severe health problems.
7. How do I return the recalled tahini for a refund?
   • Simply return the jar of recalled tahini to the store where you bought it for a full refund, or contact Turkana Food Inc. for further guidance on how to get your money back.
8. Q: Does Salmonella contamination only happen in tahini?
   • No, Salmonella can be found in various foods, including eggs, meat, poultry, and sometimes even fruits and vegetables. The FDA regularly monitors food products for such risks.
9. How can I prevent Salmonella infection from food in the future?
   • Always practice good food safety: wash your hands, cook food to the proper temperature, store food correctly, and check labels for recalls or expiration dates. If in doubt, don’t eat it!
10. Why is this recall important for consumers?

• This recall is crucial because Salmonella can cause severe illness, particularly in at-risk groups. Being informed about recalls and acting swiftly helps protect you and your loved ones from potential harm.

Here’s what you should do

If you have purchased this product, take action! Here’s how:

• Check the product:
  • Lot Number: 120824-01 can be found on the top portion of the jar.
  • UPC Code: 854643003054 marked by a sticker on the side of the jar.
  • Expiration Date: August 2026, which can be found on the top portion of the jar.
• What you should do:
  • Consumers who purchased Aleppo Sesame Paste Tahini With lot code 120824-01 should not consume the product and they are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
• Contact info:
  • Those with questions can contact Turkana Foods Inc. at 908-810-8800 Or email [email protected] Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm EST.

Behind the brand

Turkana Foods is a family-owned and operated ethnic food distributor, they are deeply committed to enriching lives through conscious and sustainable business practices.

Unfortunately, this is not the first Salmonella case the industry has had recently. On January 8, Blue Ridge Beef issued a recall of 5,700 lbs. of its Natural Mix (2 lb log) due to Salmonella contamination. Supercan Bulk also recalled its Pig Ear Slivers for the same reason.

Ensuring safe eats!

This recall is a timely reminder that companies must always prioritize food safety and regularly test their products. For consumers, it’s crucial to be vigilant and check the labels, especially when it comes to products with a longer shelf life like tahini, which you might store for months. The industry needs more transparency and rigor to avoid these health risks. Every year, thousands of people are affected by foodborne illnesses, and some of these could be prevented with better practices and more frequent checks.

“As a company dedicated to sourcing natural ingredients, we understand the critical importance of food safety in every step of the supply chain. Incidents like this Salmonella contamination remind us that even the most trusted products can be vulnerable to contamination. It’s essential for the entire food industry to remain vigilant, maintain rigorous testing standards, and prioritize transparency to ensure the safety of consumers, especially those who are most at risk. This serves as a reminder that safety isn’t just about the final product, but about every detail in the sourcing, handling, and production processes.” Eran Mizrahi, Source86’s CEO.