Salmonella Outbreak Widens: CDC Expands Recall of Charcuterie Meats
In a recent announcement, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that the recall of charcuterie meats due to Salmonella contamination has been expanded. This development includes a new brand sold at Costco, raising concerns about the safety of these products.
The CDC stated that the recall now includes all lots of the “Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler” sold at Sam’s Club. Initially, only one lot code was recalled, but due to the widening outbreak, all lots of the product are now included in the recall. Additionally, the CDC has added all lots of the “Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta” sold at Costco to the recall.
The outbreak has seen a significant increase in cases, with 23 new illnesses and five new hospitalizations reported. This brings the total number of illnesses to 47 and hospitalizations to 10 across 22 states. However, the CDC warns that these numbers are likely undercounts, indicating that the situation may be more severe than currently reported.
The illnesses linked to the Fratelli Beretta brand were initially discovered by the Washington State Department of Health, prompting further investigation by the CDC. As a precautionary measure, the CDC advises consumers to discard all packages of the affected products and thoroughly wash any surfaces that may have come into contact with them using hot water and soap.
The specific items affected by the recall are as follows:
1. Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler:
– Contains prosciutto, sweet soppressata, and dry coppa.
– Sold at Sam’s Club.
– Comes in a twin-pack (2 x 9oz).
– Any lot code.
2. Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta:
– Contains black pepper coated dry salami, Italian dry salami, dry coppa, and prosciutto.
– Sold at Costco.
– Comes in a twin-pack (2 x 12oz).
– Any lot code.
Salmonella is a dangerous bacteria that can cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The FDA highlights several symptoms of salmonella poisoning, including bloody diarrhea or diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement, diarrhea accompanied by a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, excessive vomiting that prevents the intake of liquids, signs of dehydration, and stomach cramps.
These symptoms typically manifest between six hours and six days after exposure. While most people recover within four to seven days, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as young children and older adults, may experience more severe symptoms requiring medical treatment or hospitalization.
The expansion of the charcuterie meat recall serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the potential risks associated with bacterial contamination. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and follow the CDC’s recommendations to ensure their well-being and the well-being of their loved ones. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can protect ourselves from potential health hazards and promote a safer food industry.