Sesame-based products could be contaminated, recall notice warns

Recalled products are seen in images included in a recall advisory published by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

A sesame-based product sold in Ontario and Quebec is being recalled due to risk of contamination.

Aoun brand tahineh could be contaminated with salmonella, a notice posted Thursday warns. The advisory applies to 400- and 800-gram packages of tahineh.

The recall was triggered by testing from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), but there have been no known illnesses tied to the products, the recall notice says. Further investigation is underway that could lead to further recalls.

In the meantime, the CFIA says it is ensuring the affected products are removed from store shelves in Canada.

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can lead to serious or even deadly infections in vulnerable populations. Most at risk of developing a serious infection after consuming a contaminated product are young children, and those who are pregnant, 60 or older, or have weakened immune systems, the recall notice warns.

A salmonella infection may causes symptoms including fever, headache, nausea and diarrhea, all of which typically begin between six hours and three days after consuming a contaminated product. Most recover within four days to a week, the Public Health Agency of Canada says, but some require medication or hospitalization, or will experience long-term effects like reactive arthritis, which may not show up for three to four weeks.

In rare cases, salmonella can spread to other organs or the bloodstream.

Those who think they have the infection also known as salmonellosis are advised to see their doctor, and drink fluids to stay hydrated. They should avoid preparing food for others while sick.