Highest risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others Tahini recall: Potential Contamination by Salmonella

Recall published 7+ years ago

Potential Contamination by Salmonella

Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seedsAchdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seeds (photo 2)Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seeds (photo 3)Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seeds (photo 4)
4 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Salmonella contamination

The hazard here is Salmonella contamination, a bacterial infection that is usually unpleasant rather than dangerous, but which hits young children and older adults much harder.

What the notice says: Achdut LTD. of Ariel, Israel, is recalling its Tahini products of all packages and sizes produced on the following dates: April 7th to May 21st 2018, because it may 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.

Why it matters: Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States. It spreads easily from a contaminated product to hands, taps, cloths and other food in the same kitchen.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

The CDC describes salmonellosis as diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps that usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure and last about four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment. Children under five, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill. Seek care for diarrhoea with a high fever, bloody stools, vomiting that stops you keeping liquids down, diarrhoea lasting more than three days, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine, a dry mouth or dizziness when standing.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
December 11, 2018
Risk level
Highest risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others
Product type
Nuts & seeds

Products covered by this recall

Tahini

What the company announced

Achdut LTD. of Ariel, Israel, is recalling its Tahini products of all packages and sizes produced on the following dates: April 7th to May 21st 2018, because it may 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 persons 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.

The recalled "Tahini" was distributed internationally in retail stores and through mail orders.

The tahini products are Tahini, Whole Tahini, Organic Tahini and Seasoned Tahini. Container sizes: 15oz, 16oz, 17.6oz, 635 oz (428g, 454g, 500g, 18Kg), with lot numbers 18-097 to 18-141 or with expiration dates April 7th to May 21st 2020, while the Baron’s brand carries an expiration date of 5/5/2021 . The brand names of the products are: Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood, Soom and Achva.

Achdut is collaborating with health officials in connection with a positive finding of Salmonella in a US import sample of Achdut Tahini linked to a Salmonella outbreak that is currently being investigated by FDA and public health officials.

The probable root cause for this recall is cross contamination. The company has eliminated the source of contamination and preventive steps were taken.

Consumers who have purchased the Tahini above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 972-3-9068020, Sun-Thu 08:00-17:00 GMT+2.

Outbreak Summary

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 8 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • 18-097

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • April 7th
  • 5/5/2021

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 15 oz
  • 16 oz
  • 17.6 oz
  • 635 oz
  • 18 Kg

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Salmonella

Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others — The hazard here is Salmonella contamination, a bacterial infection that is usually unpleasant rather than dangerous, but which hits young children and older adults much harder.

  1. Stop eating the product and keep it away from anything ready to eat.
  2. Bag it and bin it, or take it back to the store — do not feed it to pets or livestock either.
  3. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the pack, and wash any dish, utensil or surface it touched in hot soapy water.
  4. If you repackaged or froze it, check the freezer too. Salmonella is not killed by freezing.

Refunds, and what else you can claim

The purchase price is the floor, not the ceiling. Where a recall caused you a real cost, say so.

  • Claim the refund at the store first; it is the fastest route and needs the least paperwork.
  • If you bought several packs over time, list them. Firms routinely settle for more than a single unit when a customer asks.
  • Medical costs, lost earnings or a spoiled event are not handled at the service desk. Write to the company contact on this page instead, with dates and documents.
  • Keep copies of everything you send. If a recall caused harm, that file is what any later claim rests on.

Remedy named in the notice: Consumers who have purchased the Tahini above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: Achdut LTD. — Consumers: 972-3-9068020

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Achdut, Baron's, S&F, Pepperwood and others nuts & seeds recalled?

Potential Contamination by Salmonella Achdut LTD. of Ariel, Israel, is recalling its Tahini products of all packages and sizes produced on the following dates: April 7th to May 21st 2018, because it may 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.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code 18-097; best-by date April 7th or 5/5/2021. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Stop eating the product and keep it away from anything ready to eat.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Consumers who have purchased the Tahini above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

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