Highest risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Al’Fez Tahini recall: Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella

Al’Fez Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seedsAl’Fez Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seeds (photo 2)Al’Fez Nuts & seeds — recalled nuts & seeds (photo 3)
3 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: July 12, 2024—AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has 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.

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
July 12, 2024
Risk level
Highest risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Al’Fez
Product type
Nuts & seeds
Distribution
Nationwide
UPC codes
711464506778
Reports of harm
To date, AB World Foods US, Inc. has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product from consumers in the United States.

Products covered by this recall

Tahini

What the company announced

July 12, 2024—AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has 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 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 Al’Fez Natural Tahini was distributed nationwide in retail stores beginning 05/26/23. The recalled Al’Fez Natural Tahini was sold in 5.6oz glass jars, UPC 711464506778, and with a “BEST BEFORE” of “2024 JL 11” or later. The specific codes being recalled are: Lot Numbers “3031”, “3080”, “3270”, “3297” with corresponding BEST BEFORE: “2024 JL 31”; “2024 SE 09”; “2025 MR 27”; “2025 AL 04”. The recall only applies to these codes, the codes are located on the back of the jar as depicted in the pictures below.

To date, AB World Foods US, Inc. has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product from consumers in the United States.

The potential for contamination was noted after testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella . The company has ceased distribution of the product as the company continues their investigation.

Consumers who have purchased Al’Fez Natural Tahini 5.6oz with the affected lot codes are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. If a consumer experiences the symptoms listed above and believes they may have been exposed to Salmonella , they are urged to contact a medical provider.

The wellbeing of its customers is paramount to AB World Foods US, Inc. Consumers who have questions may contact Adifi Burman, [email protected] , 647 218 0081. Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

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

UPC / barcode

Read the twelve digits under the barcode on the package.

  • 711464506778

Establishment number

Inside the USDA mark of inspection on the label.

  • 3031
  • 3080
  • 3270
  • 3297

Package size

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

  • 5.6 oz

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

Al’Fez — 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. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the pack, and wash any dish, utensil or surface it touched in hot soapy water.
  3. If you repackaged or froze it, check the freezer too. Salmonella is not killed by freezing.
  4. Watch everyone who ate it for about a week, and call a doctor sooner for a child under five or an adult over 65.

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 Al’Fez Natural Tahini 5.6oz with the affected lot codes are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Company contact: AB World Foods US, Inc. — Consumers: Adifi Burman, (647) 218-0081, [email protected]

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 Al’Fez nuts & seeds recalled?

Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella July 12, 2024—AB World Foods US, Inc. of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, is voluntarily recalling Al’Fez Natural Tahini in 5.6oz glass jars because it has 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.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: UPC 711464506778; establishment number 3031, 3080. 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 Al’Fez Natural Tahini 5.6oz with the affected lot codes are advised to discontinue use immediately and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Where was the recalled product sold?

It was distributed nationwide.

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