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Dec 5, 2025 - Foods

Message: Warning about Salmonella in sesame products – BVL advises sensitive consumer groups to exercise caution

Message: Warning about Salmonella in sesame products – BVL advises sensitive consumer groups to exercise caution

Salmonella has once again been detected in sesame products from the German retail sector. This was confirmed by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) during the presentation of the Zoonoses Monitoring 2024. Around two percent of the tested products contained pathogenic germs – a finding that can pose a health risk, especially for particularly sensitive consumer groups.

A total of 354 sesame products were tested for Salmonella, including tahini, a globally popular sesame paste, and halva, a traditional confectionery specialty from the Near East and Southeast Europe. Both products are often consumed uncooked and therefore offer no heat protection against germs.

“These results show that sesame products can pose a risk of infection with Salmonella,“ explained BVL President Prof. Dr. Gaby-Fleur Böl. “Since these products are usually consumed without heating, existing germs cannot be killed.“ Sesame products have already been the cause of foodborne outbreaks several times.

According to BVL, particularly infants, older people, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should currently avoid raw sesame products. The investigation underscores how important hygienic measures are from cultivation through to harvest and processing. Salmonella can enter plant products through contaminated irrigation water or animal excretions.

Notice from BAV Institute

The BAV Institute also points out the importance of regular microbiological controls. BAV Institute conducts Salmonella testing regularly, including as rapid methods. We provide you with quick and reliable results and are happy to advise you on any issues related to product safety. Our customer advisors are available to answer any questions you may have. Thus, the institute complements the state warnings with practical laboratory support for manufacturers, retailers and other actors in the food chain.

Scope of the Zoonoses Monitoring

For the Zoonoses Monitoring 2024, a total of 6,028 samples were taken along the entire food chain. From these samples, 4,638 bacterial isolates could be obtained and analyzed at the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) – including investigations on antibiotic resistance.

 

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