Standfirst: Several batches of Gem Pack sesame seed products have been recalled in Ireland after Salmonella was found in the affected products. Anyone who has bought the listed packs should check the batch code and best-before date and should not eat them.
A new food recall Ireland notice has been issued for specific batches of sesame seed products sold under the Gem, Sysco and Sowans names, with a bulk 25kg sesame seeds product also affected. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) says the batches are being recalled because of the presence of Salmonella, and consumers are being told not to eat them.
This Irish food recall affects only the batches and date markings listed in the official notice. Retailers have been asked to remove the implicated products from sale, while wholesalers and distributors have been told to contact customers and issue point-of-sale recall notices.
Products included in this food recall Ireland alert
The FSAI food recall covers the following recalled food products Ireland consumers and food businesses should check immediately:
- Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg — Batch Code 155 — Best Before: May 2027
- Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg — Batch Code 177 — Best Before: May 2027
- Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg — Batch Code 147 — Best Before: April 2027
- Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg — Batch Code 169 — Best Before: May 2027
- Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg — Batch Code 189 — Best Before: June 2027
- Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg — Batch Code 203 — Best Before: June 2027
- Sesame Seeds 25kg — Lot 32308 — Best Before: 1 March 2027
- Sesame Seeds 25kg — Lot 32704 — Best Before: 1 March 2027
- Sowans Sesame Seeds 100g — Batch Code 155 — Best Before: May 2027
If you are trying to work out how to check a recalled food batch, start with the packaging label. Look for the recalled food batch number, food recall batch code and food recall best-before date exactly as listed above.
Why these sesame seed products were recalled
According to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland recalls notice, the affected products are subject to a Salmonella food recall Ireland alert because Salmonella was present in the implicated batches. This is a confirmed microbiological food recall rather than a simple labelling issue or precautionary withdrawal.
That makes this a food contamination alert Ireland consumers should take seriously, particularly if the seeds have already been used in home baking, salads, breads or catering settings. Sesame seeds are often added to meals in small amounts, so it is worth checking opened packs as well as unopened ones.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness. The FSAI says symptoms typically develop between 12 and 36 hours after infection, although they can appear anywhere from 6 to 72 hours later.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody
- Fever
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
The illness usually lasts between four and seven days. In some cases, diarrhoea can be severe enough to require hospital treatment. Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may be more likely to become seriously ill.
What consumers should do now
If you have any of the products listed in this food recall Ireland notice, do not eat them. Check the brand, pack size, batch recall Ireland details and best-before date carefully before using the product.
- Do not eat the affected sesame seeds
- Check kitchen cupboards, food storage areas and opened packs
- If you run a food business, stop using the implicated batches immediately
- Follow any return or disposal instructions given by the seller
The official notice states that consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches. It does not specify receipt or refund terms, so readers wondering about recalled food refund Ireland options or can I return recalled food without a receipt should check directly with the retailer or supplier involved.
Advice for shops, caterers and wholesalers
This supermarket food recall and product recall Ireland notice also applies across the supply chain. The FSAI says retailers should remove the affected products from sale and display recall notices at point of sale.
Wholesalers and distributors are being asked to contact affected customers, recall the implicated batches and provide point-of-sale notices to their customers. Caterers have been told not to use the listed batches.
Because some of the products are sold in 1kg and 25kg formats, this food product recall Ireland alert may affect both household consumers and commercial kitchens. Any business that uses sesame seeds in breads, toppings, prepared foods or takeaway items should recheck stock immediately.
How to identify an affected batch
Consumers often ask which food products have been recalled and how to check a recalled food batch. For this FSAI recall list update, the key identifiers are:
- Product name
- Brand name
- Pack size
- Batch code or lot number
- Best-before date
Only the specific products and codes in the official alert are included in this FSAI food alerts notice. If your product has a different batch code or different best-before date, the current notice does not say it is affected.
Frequently asked questions
Which product has been recalled?
Specific batches of Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg, Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg, Sesame Seeds 25kg and Sowans Sesame Seeds 100g.
Why is there a food safety alert Ireland notice?
The affected batches are being recalled due to the presence of Salmonella.
What batch numbers should I check?
Check batch codes 155, 177, 147, 169, 189 and 203 where applicable, plus lot numbers 32308 and 32704 for the 25kg packs.
What date markings are affected?
The listed best-before dates are April 2027, May 2027, June 2027 and 1 March 2027, depending on the product.
What should I do if I already ate the product?
If you have consumed one of the affected batches and are concerned about symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice, especially for young children, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system.
Conclusion
This food recall Ireland alert is limited to specific batches of Gem, Sysco, Sowans and bulk sesame seed products, but it is important to act quickly if you have them at home or in a business kitchen. Check the exact batch code and best-before date, do not eat the affected products, and follow any instructions from your retailer or supplier as this FSAI food recall develops.
