Check Your Tahini: FDA Announces Recall on Roland® Tahini Due to Salmonella Health Risk

Do you have Roland® Tahini brand tahini in your pantry? You may need to check the label!

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Roland tahini recall on February 28, 2024 for select containers of the 100% ground sesame seed product due to potential contamination with the harmful bacterium, Salmonella.

What is Tahini?

Tahini, sometimes referred to as tahina, is a traditional ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine. Think hummus and baba ghanoush. It is often used in sauces to go along with fish, vegetables, or shawarma.

This ingredient is not limited to Middle Eastern dishes though. It is often seen in North African, Levant and the East Mediterranean, and South Caucus countries. In the age of “fusion” food, it could be in any number of dishes found in food trucks and specialty restaurants.

It is usually made up of three ingredients. Hulled sesame seeds, oil, and salt.

In this case, the Roland Tahini is made up of 100% ground sesame seeds.

In a way, this makes the investigation a bit easier. The issue will likely come down to the ingredient, the packaging, or the facility. However, other factors may be at play, such as transportation and distribution.

The Roland Tahini Recall

The FDA announced a recall on behalf of Roland Foods, LLC (“Roland Foods”) of New York, New York for a specific production code of Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) in the 16-ounce jar due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria.

Check your pantry for this product:

Product Name: Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds)

Batch Number: P024581
Production Code: X0419
UPC Number: 10041224701509
Best-by Date: October 19, 2024

The product’s UPC can be found underneath the barcode on the back of the package. The production code and best-by date are printed on the label toward the top of the bottle.

Recalled products were distributed nationwide through retail stores and food service outlets from September 2023 through January 2024.

What is the Reason for the Roland Tahini Recall?

This recall is being initiated following routine sampling performed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Product sampling revealed the presence of the harmful pathogen, Salmonella.

This type of testing is part of the department’s surveillance program and was not in response to a public complaint. At this time, Roland Foods indicates they have not received reports of illness associated with the product.

Product Distribution Put on Hold During Investigation

In response to the laboratory findings, a Roland Tahini Recall was announced. The company has put distribution activities on hold and is cooperating with the investigation to determine the root cause of the potential contamination.

What is Salmonella? And Who Is at Risk?

Salmonella bacteria are responsible for many infections in the United States each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonellosis, or the illness associated with Salmonella bacterial infection, is responsible for 1.35 million infections each year.

For most of these illnesses, food was the source of infection.

About 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths can be attributed to this bacterial illness annually.

Symptoms to Look Out for Following This Roland Tahini Recall

If you have consumed recalled product, be on the lookout for the following symptoms.

Common Salmonella infection symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps

Most people experience symptoms between 6 hours and 6 days after infection and usually resolves within a week.

Normally healthy individuals generally get better on their own without medical intervention. In fact, antibiotics are only suggested in certain circumstances.

Others who fall in the higher risk group may need medication or even hospitalization to recover.

Who is in the Higher Risk Group?

When it comes to Salmonella bacterial infections, those in the higher risk group often have some sort of immune system breach that makes them more susceptible to infection and more serious illness.

This includes:

• People with severe illness
• People with a weakened immune system (e.g., those with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy treatment)
• Adults older than 50 with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease
• Adults aged older than 65 or who are frail.
• Infants (children under 12 months)

Potential Long-term Health Problems Associated with Salmonella Infection

Most Salmonella infections remain in the digestive system. In these cases, increased hydration is often all that is needed to recover. In those who fall in the higher risk group, antibiotics or other medical treatment may be necessary.

Complications arise, however, when the bacteria leave the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. In this way, the pathogen can make its way into other parts of the body. This results in serious illness and potentially long-term health problems.

Potential long-term health problems include:

• Arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms)
• Endocarditis
• Reactive arthritis (pain in joints, eye irritation, and/or pain during urination that can last for months or years)
• Irregular bowel habits

What Should You Do If You Are Sick from This Roland Tahini Recall?

If you believe you have fallen ill after consuming a previously purchased Roland Tahini recall product, there are a few simple things you can do.

Obtain Diagnosis

First, obtain diagnosis. While you will likely treat your symptoms with or without a diagnosis, your sample could assist the traceback investigation. Salmonella infection is diagnosed with a specialized laboratory test performed on stool (poop), body tissue, or fluids.

In most cases, your healthcare provider will request a stool sample from you.

Stay Hydrated

Also, stay hydrated. Diarrhea is a common Salmonella symptom and can seriously dehydrate your body. Increase your water intake and monitor for dehydration symptoms. Seek medical attention if your condition worsens, or your dehydration symptoms become severe.

Retain Product Packaging

Another way to assist in traceback activities is to retain the product’s packaging. Key details, such as batch numbers and production codes may expand the recall parameters. This information may help prevent others from becoming sick.

Reach Out to a Salmonella Lawyer

And finally, reach out to a Salmonella lawyer.

If you have been sickened by consuming a previously purchased product included in the Roland Tahini recall, you may be eligible for compensation.

Medical bills, lost wages, caring for sick loved ones. This all creates a burden, simply because you consumed a product that should have been safe to eat.

The experienced Salmonella lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate this daunting experience. Reach out to have your questions answered by someone trained to help you in your time of need – by phone at (833) 330-3663 or emailing here for a free consultation.

 

By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)