Ireland recalls Gem Pack sesame seeds over Salmonella risk

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland has issued an urgent recall for specific batches of Gem Pack and Sysco sesame seeds due to detected Salmonella contamination. Retailers must withdraw these products immediately while consumers are advised not to consume them to prevent serious illness.

Urgent Recall: Specific Batches of Gem Pack Sesame Seeds

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has announced a precautionary recall concerning various batches of Gem Pack and Sysco sesame seed products. This action follows the detection of Salmonella bacteria in selected lots distributed across the country.

Affected Products and Batches

The following items are subject to this safety alert:

Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg (Batch Codes: 155, 177; Best Before: May 2027)
Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg (Batch Codes: 147, 169, 189, 203; Best Before Dates ranging from April to June 2027)
Sesame Seeds 25kg (Lot Numbers: 32308, 32704; Best Before: 1 March 2027)
Sowans Sesame Seeds 100g (Batch Code: 155; Best Before: May 2027)

Nature of the Danger

Infection with Salmonella typically manifests within 12 to 36 hours, though symptoms can appear as early as six hours or up to three days post-exposure. The most prevalent symptom is diarrhoea, which may occasionally be bloody. Additional signs include fever, headache, and abdominal cramps. While the illness generally resolves within four to seven days, severe cases requiring hospital admission can occur. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, infants, and individuals with compromised immune systems, face a higher risk of developing serious complications.

Action Required for Stakeholders

Retailers: Must immediately remove the implicated batches from shelves and display clear recall notices at the point of sale.
Wholesalers and Distributors: Are instructed to contact affected customers directly to retrieve the products and provide official recall information.
Caterers: Should strictly refrain from using any of the listed batches in food preparation.

Advice for Consumers

Consumers who possess any of these specific product batches are strongly advised not to consume them. If you have purchased these items, please check the batch codes against the list provided above and return the goods to your local retailer for a full refund or exchange.