CVUA report on tahini and halva - sources of danger for salmonella infections

Go back

Jul 13, 2022 - Foods

CVUA report on tahini and halva - sources of danger for salmonella infections

Between September 2021 and April 2022, three samples of halva, all originating from Syria, were found to contain Salmonella of rare serovars (two detections of Salmonella [S.] Amsterdam; one detection of S. Havana). As a result, Baden-Württemberg, among others, suggested strengthening import controls on sesame products from Syria or conducting further risk-based food investigations in the federal states.

As part of a special program, a total of 30 tahini and 42 halva samples, predominantly from Syria, were tested for salmonella this year at the CVUAs Freiburg and Stuttgart. Once again, health-threatening salmonella of rare serovars (primarily S. Amsterdam, but also S. Havana, S. Orion, S. Senftenberg, S. Kintambo) were detected in 3 halva samples and 12 tahini samples. This led to further extensive recalls of these products.

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses and can cause what is known as salmonellosis.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct investigations for Salmonella and also offer serotyping. We provide fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors are very happy to assist you with any questions.

Sources:

·       https://www.ua-bw.de/pub/beitrag.asp?subid=3&Thema_ID=2&ID=3615&lang=DE&Pdf=No

·       https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/bedeutung_der_salmonellen_als_krankheitserreger-537.html

·       https://www.bav-institut.de//de/faqs/steckbrief-zu-salmonellen