Imported yeast concerns following salmonella link
Tempeh is a soy product native to Indonesia, made through fermentation that binds the soybeans into a solid form. The ingredient is high in protein and suitable for vegetarians and vegans and has thus become increasingly popular in the bakery market.
US online distributor, IndonesianFoodMart.com has recalled two of its tempeh yeast products - ‘Tempeh Starter Yeast’ and ‘Super Starter Yeast’ – following the tests conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services linking both products to salmonellosis.
Salmonellosis is a serious foodborne illness that has increased health implications for children, the elderly or those with weaker immune systems. Symptoms can include high fever, headaches, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) have released warnings against use and sale of both products. The CFIA has said it is working with Canadian importers and distributors to remove the affected products from the market place and will monitor the effectiveness of the recall.
Both products are distributed internationally to Australia, Canada, Slovenia, New Zealand, Brunei, Darussalam, Poland and Croatia.
