Several sesame seed products sold in Ireland have been pulled from sale after an official food recall Ireland alert linked specific batches to Salmonella. Consumers are being told not to eat the affected products and to check pack details carefully, especially batch codes and best-before dates.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) said the recall covers selected batches of Gem Pack, Sysco and Sowans sesame seed products, along with two 25kg sesame seed lots. The affected products include packs intended for both household and catering use.
Quick summary of this food recall Ireland alert
- Products affected: Selected sesame seed products sold under Gem, Sysco and Sowans branding, plus 25kg sesame seed lots
- Reason: Presence of Salmonella
- Action for consumers: Do not eat the affected batches
- Action for businesses: Remove from sale, recall affected stock and display recall notices
- Official source: FSAI alert notification 2026.50
Products included in the recall
This Irish food recall applies only to the specific products and batch details listed in the official notice. Consumers should not assume that every sesame seed product from these brands is affected.
| Product | Batch code / lot | Best-before date |
|---|---|---|
| Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg | 155 | May 2027 |
| Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg | 177 | May 2027 |
| Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg | 147 | April 2027 |
| Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg | 169 | May 2027 |
| Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg | 189 | June 2027 |
| Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg | 203 | June 2027 |
| Sesame Seeds 25kg | Lot: 32308 | 1 March 2027 |
| Sesame Seeds 25kg | Lot: 32704 | 1 March 2027 |
| Sowans Sesame Seeds 100g | 155 | May 2027 |
How to check whether your product is affected
If you have sesame seeds at home or in a food business, compare the pack against the official recall details. This food recalls Ireland notice is limited to the listed products, batch numbers and date markings.
- Check the exact product name on the packaging
- Look for the brand name, such as Gem, Sysco or Sowans
- Find the batch code or lot number
- Check the best-before date
- If all details match, do not use or eat the product
For anyone wondering how to check a recalled food batch, the batch code and best-before date are the key identifiers in this case.
Why the products were recalled
The FSAI food recall was issued because the affected batches were found to contain Salmonella. This bacterium can cause foodborne illness, and sesame seeds may be eaten directly or used as an ingredient in cooking, baking and food preparation.
This is a confirmed Salmonella food recall Ireland alert, not a precautionary withdrawal over a possible labelling issue. That means consumers and businesses should treat the affected products seriously and follow the recall instructions promptly.
What consumers should do now
The main advice in this product recall Ireland notice is straightforward: do not eat the implicated batches.
- Stop using the product immediately
- Check the recalled food batch number on the pack
- Set aside any matching product so it is not used by mistake
- Follow retailer or supplier instructions if returning the item
The official alert tells consumers not to eat the affected batches, but it does not give detailed refund instructions or say whether you can return recalled food without a receipt. Unless a retailer gives separate guidance, shoppers should check the store where the product was bought.
Advice for retailers, wholesalers and caterers
This food safety alert Ireland notice also sets out steps for businesses in the supply chain.
Retailers
Retailers are asked to remove the affected batches from sale and display recall notices at the point of sale.
Wholesalers and distributors
Wholesalers and distributors should contact affected customers, recall the implicated batches and provide a point-of-sale recall notice to customers.
Caterers and food businesses
Caterers are advised not to use the affected batches. That is particularly important for bulk 25kg products, which may have been supplied for commercial kitchens or food service use.
Salmonella symptoms and who may be most at risk
According to the official food contamination alert Ireland notice, people infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, although this can range from 6 to 72 hours.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody
- Fever
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
Illness usually lasts between four and seven days. In some cases, diarrhoea can be severe enough to require hospital treatment. Older people, infants and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill.
Anyone who has eaten one of the affected products and is concerned about symptoms should seek appropriate medical advice.
Which shops sold the recalled sesame seeds?
The FSAI recall list does not name specific retailers in the published notice provided here. That means it would be wrong to name supermarkets or convenience chains without official confirmation.
Because some affected products include branded retail packs and larger catering packs, the recall may involve a mix of consumer outlets and food-service supply channels. If you bought sesame seeds recently and are unsure whether they are part of this food product recall Ireland alert, check the product details against the table above and consult the seller if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Which food products have been recalled?
Selected batches of Gem Sesame Seeds 1kg, Sysco Sesame Seeds 1kg, Sowans Sesame Seeds 100g, and two 25kg sesame seed lots.
What is the reason for the recall?
The affected batches are being recalled due to the presence of Salmonella.
What batch codes should I check?
Check batch codes 155, 177, 147, 169, 189 and 203, as well as lots 32308 and 32704, depending on the product.
Should I eat the product if I have it at home?
No. Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches.
Has the FSAI named the retailers?
Not in the source notice used for this article. Only officially confirmed retailer information should be relied upon.
Conclusion
This food recall Ireland notice affects specific sesame seed batches sold under Gem, Sysco and Sowans labels, plus two larger 25kg lots. The key takeaway is simple: check the batch code and best-before date, and do not eat any product that matches the official recall details.
As with all latest food recalls Ireland alerts, accuracy matters more than assumptions. If your pack matches the listed identifiers, stop using it immediately and follow any retailer or supplier instructions for return or disposal.
