Contamination of hummus with Salmonella bacteria
In a series of recent recalls, several popular supermarkets and manufacturers have pulled numerous hummus products from their shelves due to a suspected salmonella contamination.
The Vienna-based company, Wojnar's, has recalled a significant portion of its product range, including several hummus varieties. This follows an internal quality control check that discovered salmonella in the tahini ingredient used in multiple hummus varieties.
Other affected brands include Billa, Habibi & Hawara, SPAR, and Clever. The Billa Bali Brunch products affected include "Wanna Date Me?" Pita Roll Hummus, Falafel, Dates, Red Cabbage 2200G, Chia Snack Hummus & Cranberries 200G, and Oriental Feel Good Bowl Hummus & Barley 220G. SPAR's affected products include the Veggie vegan Hummus XXL natural 300g, Hummus Wrap with Paprika 180g, and Veggie Bowl with Falafel & Yogurt Dressing 250g.
The Habibi & Hawara products affected include Hummus Roasted Garlic 200G, Hummus Harissa 200G, Hummus Mango Curry 200G, Hummus Natural 320G, Hummus Olive 200G, and Hummus Grilled Paprika 200G. The Clever Hummus Cranberry Wrap 170G is also part of the recall.
SPAR and the Billa supermarket chain, along with Habibi & Hawara, and the manufacturer themselves have recalled 19 more products. Several products at SPAR are also affected, but no specific products are mentioned in this paragraph.
As of now, there are no verified publicly available data confirming salmonella contamination in foods from Billa, SPAR, Habibi & Hawara, Clever, or other products besides Wojnar’s. Additional authoritative sources or official recalls would be needed to determine the full scope of contaminated foods including those brands.
Customers are advised to check the best before dates (BBD) of their hummus products. The affected Billa, SPAR, and Habibi & Hawara products have BBDs ranging from 14th April 2025 to 13th May 2025. The affected Wojnar's and Clever products have various BBDs.
The company has apologized for the incident and expressed regret to its customers. Customers can return the 19 additional recalled products without a receipt and will receive a refund.
It is important to note that consumption of salmonella-contaminated food can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and occasionally vomiting and fever. Symptoms usually subside within a few days, but severe or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
The public health authorities are urging consumers to exercise caution and follow the recall notices. They also advise that cooking the affected products does not necessarily eliminate the risk of salmonella.
This is a developing story and more updates will be provided as information becomes available.
The science behind the recent hummus recalls is centred around the medical-conditions associated with salmonella contamination. In light of the suspected salmonella contamination, several health-and-wellness related brands have been affected, such as Billa, SPAR, Habibi & Hawara, and Clever. Specific food-and-drink items, like hummus varieties and snack wraps, have various best before dates that customers should check to ensure their safety. It is crucial to maintain a lifestyle that prioritizes food safety to avoid potential health risks.
