CFIA warns of possible Salmonella in Mahrousa tahina sold in Alberta

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a food recall warning on Feb. 18 for Mahrousa brand tahina (tahini) after the product tested positive for possible Salmonella contamination. The CFIA listed Alberta as the product’s distribution area.

While the recall notice does not list any distribution in Ontario, the agency said Salmonella-contaminated food can cause illness even when it does not look or smell spoiled, and it noted that older adults are among those at higher risk of serious infection.

The recalled product is labelled Mahrousa and Tahina, with the brand and product name printed only in Arabic characters, the CFIA said. The package size is 800 g (printed in Arabic characters). The notice lists no UPC, and provides the codes P 23/06/2024 and E 23/06/2026.

The CFIA warned people not to consume, use, sell, serve or distribute the recalled product. The agency said the product should be thrown out or returned to the location where it was purchased.

The recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The agency said there have been no reported illnesses linked to the product.

Jabbour Export/Import Ltd. is listed as the recalling firm. The recall identification number is RA-81622.

The CFIA said anyone who thinks they became sick from consuming the product should contact a health-care provider. In its advisory, the agency said symptoms can include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and that long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

The CFIA said it is conducting a food safety investigation that may lead to the recall of other products. The CFIA also said it is verifying that industry is removing the recalled product from the marketplace.