Fourth Recall Issued: Canadian Alwatania Halva Extra Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued an updated fourth recall due to Salmonella contamination in a Alwatania brand product. The Alwatania brand Liquid Tahina was originally recalled after the CFIA found traces of Salmonella bacteria during routine food safety testing. Parent company Migahid & Elsawi Co. Ltd. has recently issued a recall for the following product: Alwatania brand Halva Extra (1 kg), UPC code Alwatania, PRO : 20/05/2019 and EXP : 19/05/2021. The company previously recalled Alwatania Halva Extra sold in 450 gram quantities, with UPC code 6 224007 246337, PRO : 20/05/2019, and EXP : 19/05/2021. The first recall Migahid & Elsawi Co. Ltd. issued was for the following Liquid Tahina products with PRO date 20/05/2019 and EXP date 19/05/2021:
Alwatania (Arabic characters only) 350g UPC: 6 224007 246221
Alwatania (Arabic characters only) 750g UPC: 6 224007 246191
Alwatania 18kg UPC: none
As of November 12, 2020, no illnesses have been reported due to the contaminated Liquid Tahina or the Halva Extra. Consumers with any questions regarding the outbreak can contact the CFIA toll-free at 1-800-442-2342 or by emailing [email protected]. The CFIA is currently conducting an investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and if any other products are potentially contaminated.
Salmonellosis, the infection caused by Salmonella contamination, symptoms may begin as early as 6 hours and as late as 6 days after consumption, and the illness typically lasts 4-7 days. According to the CDC, symptoms of Salmonella contamination typically present as typical food poisoning symptoms: diarrhea, which may be bloody, fever, and stomach cramps, though some patients have reported symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Medical treatment may be necessary for Salmonella contamination in cases with dehydration or a fever of more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
People with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems, are at an increased risk for a severe Salmonella infection, such as bloodstream infection. According to Dr. Tony Coveny, a national salmonella lawyer, “Consumers experiencing extreme symptoms of Salmonella poisoning should contact their physician and request a stool sample,” so as to address potential life long side-effects, such as post infectious irritable bowel syndrome or post infectious reactive arthritis.
