Salami Salmonella Recall Expanded as Infections Hit 230 People

Federal investigators announced the expansion of a salami recall this week, to include another 115,000 pounds of meat that is believed to be contaminated with Salmonella Montevideo. At least 230 people have already reported suffering salmonella food poisoning in connection with the tainted salami.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Tuesday that inspectors have found contamination in more unopened salami products manufactured by Daniele International, Inc. The company originally issued a pepper-coated salami recall on January 23, for approximately 1.24 million pounds of salami and other italian sausage products.

The latest expansion of the recall includes another 115,000 pounds of salami and sausage products rolled in mozzarella cheese. The products were sold in 8-ounce packages under the Daniele, Dietz & Watson, and Boar’s Head labels. A complete list of the products affected by the salami recall expansion can be found in the FSIS press release.

According to an FDA update on the ongoing investigation into the Salmonella Montevideo outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that at least 230 people in 44 states, and the District of Columbia, have fallen ill from food poisoning.

Salmonella Montevideo infection can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and fever. While symptoms tend to resolve within a few days or weeks for most healthy adults, the elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to severe, and potentially life-threatening, infections.

The FDA has said that Rhode Island health inspectors found packages of black pepper in the Daniele processing plant to be tainted with the same strain of salmonella responsible for the illnesses, however the FDA has been unable to confirm that the pepper is the source of the outbreak. The suppliers of the black pepper have voluntarily placed their product on hold while the investigation continues.

At least two Salmonella salami lawsuits have already been filed against Daniele International over sicknesses caused by the tainted meat.