Contamination of Morphakis Brand Tahini 310g jars with salmonella

Friday 24 October 2003

Category B: For action

Heads of Environmental Health Services and Directors of Trading Standards will wish to be aware that following a programme of sampling, a brand of tahini has been found to be positive for salmonella.The brand of tahini affected is manufactured in Cyprus by C.H. Morphakis Ltd.

Description of product
This product is sold in 310g glass jars with a metal screw top cap. The affected jars have a Best Before End date of 31.12.06. It is manufactured by C.H.Morphakis Ltd in Larnaca, Cyprus. The product is described on the label as 'TAHINI Crushed Sesame Seeds'. The jar has a gold coloured cap and a thin, white paper tamper proof strip with gold stars across the top. The label is black with white writing on it and the bottom third shows an aerial view of a bowl of tahini. To assist local authorities in the correct identification a picture is attached below.

Known distribution of the product
The product was initially distributed to the following premises, with the likelihood of further distribution:

Taj Mahal
21a Bedford Place
Brighton
Sussex

TRS Cash & Carry
Southbridge Way
The Green
Southall

Grecian Food Supplies
48 Stothard Road
Stretford
Manchester

Wally's Delicatessen
42-44 Royal Arcade
Cardiff
South Glamorgan

K Charles Ltd
381-385 Tyburn Road
Erdington
Birmingham

Delecta
2 Dorchester Avenue
London N13

Action taken by the Food Standards Agency
The FSA has informed the European Commission and requested that action be taken by the Cypriot authorities to investigate the salmonella contamination of this product.

Action to be taken by local authorities
The importer has undertaken a trade withdrawal of the product but there is a possibility that this product remains on sale. The Food Standards Agency is aware that there are 60 cases unaccounted for after the trade withdrawal was completed. The product is likely to be sold in retail/wholesale premises and delicatessens that specialise in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Turkish and Greek style foods. Local authorities should take all necessary steps to ensure that this product is not on sale within their area. If the product is found, it should be removed from sale and destroyed.

Local authorities should also facilitate local media dissemination of the information contained in this food hazard warning, particularly in areas with Middle Eastern, Turkish and Greek communities.

It is expected that action by local authorities will be initiated as soon as possible after receipt of this food hazard warning.