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Tahini (sesame) paste: Beware of Salmonella

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Oct 30, 2026 - Foods

Tahini (sesame) paste: Beware of Salmonella

For the umpteenth time, public warnings are being issued in several federal states against the consumption of tahini (sesame) paste contaminated with Salmonella. This product group has increasingly appeared in recent years, including in autumn 2026 with unhulled organic sesame (recall via a drugstore chain). Levantine origins are most often cited. In the current case Lebanon appears – a nation ravaged by war and civil conflict. Likely causes include contamination introduced by Salmonella-shedding animals or humans, poor production hygiene, or contaminated water.

As part of a study, the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) examined 354 sesame-containing products from retail in 2005, including tahini, hummus and halva, an Arab confectionery specialty. Approximately 2% of all samples tested positive.

Our recommendation: Regardless of any certificates presented, always test tahini and hummus preparations for Salmonella. If required, we are happy to offer our validated molecular rapid methods.

Contact us. Our customer advisors will be happy to assist you.

 

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