CFS urges public not to consume a kind of imported tahini product suspected to be contaminated with Salmonella

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (March 13) urged the public not to consume a kind of imported tahini product, as the product might have been contaminated with Salmonella, a pathogen. The trade should stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Organic Hulled Tahini
Brand: Ceres Organics
Pack size: 300 grams
Place of origin: Product of Mexico or Israel, packed in New Zealand
Best-before date: May 25, 2023
Importer: The Dairy Farm Company Limited

A spokesman for the CFS said, " The CFS received a notification from the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated by Salmonella. According to the information provided by INFOSAN, the affected product has been imported into Hong Kong. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers for follow-up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product concerned."

The importer concerned has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected product and has initiated a recall according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer at 2299 1133 during office hours for enquiries.

"Salmonella infection may cause fever and gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. The effects on infants, young children, the elderly and persons with a weak immune system could be more severe and may even lead to death," the spokesman said.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected product if they have bought any. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately if they possess it.

The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.
 
Ends/Monday, March 13, 2023