The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released information about the Salmonella Concord outbreak that is linked to imported tahini produced by Achdut Ltd. in Israel. Five people in three states are sick with this infection. No one has been hospitalized, and no deaths are reported.
The case count by state is: Hawaii (1), Michigan (1), and New York (3). Illness onset dates range from June 16, 2018 to October 18, 2018. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicates that tahini products from Achdut Ltd. are the likely source of this outbreak.
Investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify patients who may be part of this Salmonella Concord outbreak. All five patients have been diagnosed with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Concord. All five people werevinterviewed; they said they ate tahini or hummus made with tahini. Salmonella Concord was found in a sample of tahini that was collected during import.
Achdut recalled tahini products on November 27, 2018. The recalled tahini has expiration dates that range from April 7, 2020 to May 21, 2020. The tahini was sold under the brand names Achva, Achdut, Soom, S&F, Pepperwood, and Baron’s.. The tahini has lot codes ranging from 18-097 to 18-141 and were sold in these sizes: 15 ounce, 16 ounce, 17.6 ounce, and 635 ounce.
Some of the recalled products may have labels written in Hebrew, or may not have dates printed on the labels. If you aren’t sure whether or not you have purchased this tahini, throw it away.
If you bought any of these products, throw them away. Then wash and sanitize the areas in your fridge where you stored it. And wash your hands well with soap and water after handling these products.
Symptoms of salmonellosis include a fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that can be bloody. People usually feel sick a few hours to a few days after eating food that is contaminated with this pathogen. If you have eaten this tahini and have been ill, you may be part of this Salmonella Concord outbreak.
