A brand of tahini is being recalled due to fears it has been contaminated with salmonella.

The affected Al’Fez branded tahini was sold widely in Foodstuff stories (New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square) in the South Island.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said the recall affects 160g jars of Al’Fez Tahini Paste with a batch marking of 3355 and a best-before date of 06 2025.

“Salmonellosis can be serious, so it is important that people do not eat these products.”

“Symptoms can appear within 12 to 72 hours and include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Illness usually lasts between four and seven days but, in more severe cases, it can go on for up to 10 days and cause more serious illness.”

The tahini has been recalled due to the risk of salmonella. Photo / MPI

He said the products affected were imported from Australia and manufactured in Poland.

Arbuckle said the product has been removed from supermarket shelves.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will be working with the food businesses involved to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence.”

He said New Zealand Food Safety has not received any reports of associated illness.

Arbuckle asked anyone to has consumed any of these products and is concerned for their health to contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16.