Alberta Tahini Product Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food safety recall for Mahrousa brand tahini sold in Alberta. The recall was announced on February 18, 2026, after laboratory testing revealed possible salmonella contamination in the product.
Recall Details and Product Information
The affected product is Mahrousa brand tahini, a sesame seed paste commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. The CFIA has not specified the exact size or packaging details of the recalled tahini, but consumers are advised to check any Mahrousa tahini products they may have purchased recently.
Salmonella contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can lead to hospitalization and potentially life-threatening complications.
Consumer Guidance and Safety Measures
The CFIA is advising consumers who have purchased Mahrousa tahini to:
- Immediately dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase
- Thoroughly clean any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with the recalled tahini
- Wash hands with soap and warm water after handling the product
- Monitor for symptoms of salmonella infection if they have consumed the product
"Food recalls are implemented when there is reasonable belief that a product may pose a health risk to consumers," explained a CFIA spokesperson. "We take these situations very seriously and work diligently to remove potentially contaminated products from the marketplace."
Broader Food Safety Context
This recall comes amid ongoing concerns about food safety in Canada's food supply chain. The CFIA regularly monitors food products for various contaminants, including bacteria like salmonella, listeria, and E. coli. Tahini and other sesame-based products have been subject to recalls in the past due to similar contamination concerns.
The agency is conducting a food safety investigation to determine the source of the contamination and whether additional products might be affected. Retailers and distributors have been instructed to remove the recalled tahini from shelves immediately.
Consumers with health concerns related to the recalled product are advised to contact their healthcare provider. Those with questions about the recall can contact the CFIA directly or visit the agency's website for the most current information.
