Ziyad Brothers Importing said it has received no reports of illnesses from salmonella, a germ that can cause food poisoning and be fatal in young children or sick or elderly people.

The Ziyad-brand tahini was sold nationwide over the past month in 16-, 32- and 64-ounce glass jars, 128-ounce plastic jars and 40-pound containers. ''Made in Lebanon, packed by A.O. Ghandour Sons S.A.L.'' is included on the label.

Last month, the Minnesota Agriculture Department warned consumers to avoid the product. The Illinois Department of Public Health has suspended production and shipment of the product while the Food and Drug Administration and the importer investigate the source of the possible contamination, Ziyad Brothers said.

Nassem Ziyad, company general manager, said Wednesday that its lab tests came back negative, but that all tahini was recalled as a precaution.

Consumers are urged to throw out the tahini or return it to the store where it was purchased. More information is available by calling the company at 708-222-8330, weekdays 11 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT.