There has been a second recall of sesame seed products in less than a fortnight due to the presence of the salmonella bug.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said today the recall affects certain packets of seed mixes supplied to the Irish retail market by Kestrel Foods in Northern Ireland.
"These seed products are being recalled due to the presence of salmonella which presents a risk to consumers’ health. Consumers are being warned not to consume the affected batches," the FSAI sad.
The affected products are:
- SuperValu Seed Mix 70g – batch no. 90125795A - best before October 31st , 2009
- SuperValu Seed Mix 300g – batch no. 90165947A -best before October 31st, 2009
- Super Valu Sesame Seeds 150g – batch nos. 90135899A, 90216109A, 90226109A, 90306276A - best before October 31st, 2009
- Centra Seed Mix 70g – batch no. 90166004A - best before October 31st, 2009
- Centra Seed Mix 70g – batch no. 90306003A - best before 30th November, 2009
- Forest Feast Sesame Seeds 50g – batch no. 9125854A - best before October 31st, 2009 – sold by Tesco
- Tesco Wholefoods Seed Mix 100g – batch nos. 90156009A, 90166009A - best before October 31st , 2009
The FSAI said it had contacted the retail stores to which Kestrel Foods supplied these products to ensure that all affected batches are being withdrawn from sale and that they were cooperating.
FSAI chief executive Prof Alan Reilly said the second such recall in less than a fortnight stemmed from "a breakdown in food hygiene practices, most likely at the initial site of processing".
He said that due to the fact that these seeds will not be cooked by consumers, they present a higher risk to health and should not be eaten.
Consumers who have affected product are advised to dispose of it or return it to the store where it was purchased. Consumers who may have already consumed this product and are feeling unwell, should seek medical advice, Prof Reilly said.