Imported tahini was rapidly identified as the source of infection.
Exactly when and how the tahini batches implicated in these outbreaks became contaminated is unknown.
All the contaminated samples were tahini and were recalled at the trade level.
Of 66 infected persons interviewed, 82 % reported eating foods containing tahini between 1 and 9 days before illness.
The contaminated tahini was recalled and international alerts posted.
Lenten breakfasts also include tahini mixed with fig or date syrup called napukhta which is again eaten with the breads mentioned previously.
Two different types of tahini halva are made one using sunflower seed tahini and another using sesame seed tahini.
Other ingredients include hoisin sauce or sesame paste to the likes of tahini.
