Regulators said consumers should avoid eating "Ziyad" brand plain tahini after routine testing by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture found the sesame seed paste tainted with potentially dangerous salmonella bacteria.

The Associated Press reports that the USDA had issued the warning for the Middle Eastern food found in specialty stores and some major grocery store chains.

The product is sold in glass jars and labeled "Tahini" in green letters on a yellow background. The product was distributed by Ziyad Brothers Importing of Cicero, Illinois.

Agriculture officials said no illnesses have been reported in connection with the tahini, but the Minnesota Health Department is monitoring the situation.