State warns of salmonella in certain salami products

SACRAMENTO
January 27, 2010 12:02am

California health officials are warning people not to consume certain ready-to-eat Italian sausage products manufactured by Daniele, Boar’s Head, Black Bear, and Dietz and Watson, because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The products were distributed nationwide to delicatessens and grocers, and in California can be found in various retail locations including Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club and BevMo. Three Californians have been hospitalized related to this incident, the state says.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in infants or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and abdominal pain. Consumers who have eaten this product and are experiencing these symptoms should consult a health care provider.

On Jan. 23, laboratory analysis identified Salmonella in one of Daniele International Inc.’s salami products. The Rhode Island-based food company has since initiated a voluntary recall of more than 1.2 million pounds of various Italian sausage products.

The salami product was tested as part of an on-going investigation into a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella. On Jan. 26, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that since July 2009 there have been 189 illnesses in 40 states. California has had 30 cases from seven counties, including Kern County in the Central Valley.

Preliminary analyses suggest that the salami product may be the source of some of these illnesses.

The product tested was similar to the products available to consumers who experienced illness in the multi-state investigation. A Salmonella strain found in tested salami product has a molecular fingerprint pattern that is indistinguishable from the strain causing the national outbreak. Further testing and investigation are ongoing.

If you feel this story was of value to you, please consider a donation to Goodwill Industries of the San Joaquin Valley, our designated nonprofit. Thank you.

To support them, please click here.