FSA finds more salmonella in tahini
European Commission this week after another tahini product was
found to be contaminated with salmonella.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) alerted the Cypriot authorities and European Commission this week after another tahini product was found to be contaminated with salmonella.
All glass jars of Morphakis Tahini - Crushed Sesame Seeds, with the best before date of 31 December 2006 could potentially be contaminated.
Random tests were carried out on this brand last week in a follow-up investigation after another tahini product made by a different manufacturer was found to be contaminated with salmonella earlier this month.
The paste, a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean speciality has been recalled by the FSA and local authorities to ensure that it is removed from sale.
The product has been sold in cash and carry stores, delis and specialist food stores across England and at one outlet in Cardiff, Wales. The product, which is manufactured by a firm in Cyprus called C H Morphakis Ltd, has been withdrawn from sale by the importer.
Tahini is most likely to be eaten by people from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Greek and Turkish communities. It is a thick paste made of ground sesame seed, used to flavor various dishes such as hummus and baba ghanoush.
Anyone who purchased Morphakis tahini is being warned by the FSA not to consume it but to throw it away.
The 310g clear jars have a black label with a picture of a bowl of tahini on the front, with lettering mostly in white and a gold screw top lid.
