Certain Ayyam Zaman brand Extra Fine Tahina may Contain Salmonella Bacteria

News Release

OTTAWA, April 5, 2012 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Ayyam Zaman brand Extra Fine Tahina described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected product, Ayyam Zaman brand Extra Fine Tahina, is sold in 400 g packages bearing UPC 6 217000 429807 and a code starting with "EXP 10/08".

This product is known to have been distributed in Ontario and may have been distributed in other provinces as well.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled. Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria may cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness. In young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis may cause serious and sometimes deadly infections. In otherwise healthy people, salmonellosis may cause short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Salmonella, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/cause/salmonellae.shtml

For information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA's Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp.

To find out more about receiving recalls by e-mail, and other food safety facts, visit: www.foodsafety.gc.ca. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

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