2002 Outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo Linked to Tahini Imported From Egypt, New Zealand and Australia
Beginning in November, 2002, Salmonella Montevideo was isolated in four tahini(sesame seed pulp) products imported from the same Egyptian food producer into Australia and New Zealand. The discoveries were made as part of an investigation into human illnesses caused by the same strain of Salmonella Montevideo. Salmonella Montevideo had been an uncommon Salmonella serotype in Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealand cases were linked to the consumption of a commercially sold hummus dip which was made with chick peas and tahini. The tahini originated from the same Egyptian producer. Tahini and helva produced in the Middle East (Turkey and Lebanon) had been implicated in earlier Salmonella outbreaks.
- Outbreak began:
- Unknown 2002
- Affected Country:
- International
- Affected States/Territories:
- Not Applicable
- Organism(s):
-
- Salmonella
- Vehicle(s):
- Seeds, Sesame, Tahini
- Molecular Results Available:
- Yes
- Test Results:
- Unknown
- Location(s):
- Unknown
- Brand Name(s):
- Product Subject to Recall:
- Unknown
-
- Recall Links:
- None
- Total ill:
- 68
- Number ill by Case Definition Known:
- Unknown
- Number Laboratory Confirmed Cases:
- N/A
- Number Probable Cases:
- N/A
- Number Possible Cases:
- N/A
- Anyone Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Number Hospitalized:
- Unknown
- Any Deaths:
- Unknown
- Number Dead:
- Unknown
- Any References:
- Yes