Salmonella illnesses associated with ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie meat products in Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler and Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta have the federal government out with dual alerts.
Both USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overnight warned about the Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta was sold at Costco in a 24-oz. twin-pack (two 12-oz. trays) and the Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler was sold at Sam’s Club in an 18-oz. twin-pack (two 9-oz. trays).
An investigation since Jan. 5 has identified 47 Salmonella illnesses in 22 states, with 10 reported hospitalizations associated with these products. New additions to the report include 23 illnesses in eight more states with five new hospitalizations.
Any lot code associated with either product is potentially contaminated. The products are no longer available at Costco and Sam’s Club but could be in-home freezers.
The products of concern bear establishment numbers “EST. 7543B” and “EST. #47967” inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the package. FSIS is working with the CDC and state public health partners to investigate the multi-state outbreak. Onset dates ranging from November 20, 2023, through January 1, 2024, were found by the ongoing outbreak investigation,
Minnesota identified the outbreak strain from an unopened Busseto brand charcuterie sampler, which led to recall 01-2024 on January 3, 2024.
About Salmonella
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled.
Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis.
Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers who need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Investigators are working to determine if any additional products may be contaminated.
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