The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively investigating a potential link between a salmonella outbreak in 14 states and recalled charcuterie meat products that were sold at Sam’s Club locations nationwide.
In a food safety alert posted on Friday, the CDC revealed that it is examining whether the salmonella outbreak is connected to charcuterie meat products recalled by Fratelli Beretta USA Inc., which had been distributed to Sam’s Club outlets across the country. The outbreak has resulted in 24 reported illnesses and five hospitalizations across the 14 affected states.
Last week, Fratelli Beretta USA Inc. initiated a recall of over 11,000 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products. These products had been shipped to Sam’s Club distribution centers located in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The CDC’s food safety alert highlights that out of the 24 reported illnesses, 11 have been documented in Ohio. The investigation commenced after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service received notification that a sample, collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, tested positive for salmonella. Ongoing testing is being conducted to determine whether the salmonella strain identified in the sample corresponds to the outbreak strain.
The recalled charcuterie product, a ready-to-eat charcuterie sampler, was produced on October 30, 2023. The affected product is an 18-oz. plastic tray package labeled as “Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler Prosciutto, Sweet Sopressata, and Dry Coppa,” with the lot code L075330300. Sold as a twin pack with two 9-oz. packages, the product carries a “best if used by” date of April 27, 2024. The packaging includes the establishment number “EST. 7543B” inside the USDA mark of inspection and “EST. #47967” along with the lot and date codes.
Consumers who have purchased the recalled charcuterie product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the place of purchase or discard it. It is crucial to check for the specified lot code and “best if used by” date to identify the affected products accurately.
Salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, is one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses, according to the USDA. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, occurring within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food. The illness usually resolves within four to seven days, and most individuals recover without medical intervention.
However, certain populations, such as older adults, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to developing severe illness from salmonella infection. In the case of any concerns about potential illness, consumers are advised to contact their healthcare provider promptly.
The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of food safety measures and swift response actions to mitigate the risk of further illnesses. Public health authorities, including the CDC and USDA, continue to monitor and address potential threats to ensure the safety of consumers nationwide. As developments unfold, additional information will be provided to keep the public informed about the status of the investigation and any further actions recommended to safeguard public health.