Salmonella Outbreak Spreads to 42 States

(February 10, 2010) - An outbreak of salmonella (Read about "Salmonella") has spread to 42 states and the District of Columbia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), continues to work closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and other states in the investigation of an outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections associated with certain Italian-style sausage products including salami. The outbreak is believed to have come from a company with two processing plants in Rhode Island. Although the confirmed source of this contamination has not been definitively identified, Daniele International Inc. has recalled a variety of ready-to-eat Italian style meats. The recalled products, including salami and Hot Sopressata Calabrese, are regulated by the USDA-FSIS. The products recalled are sold under the Daniele or the Dietz & Watson labels.

The CDC reports that 213 people have been infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia. Recently, the CDC and public health officials in multiple states conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 41 ill and 41 well persons. Preliminary analysis of this study suggested salami/salame as a possible source of illness

Recent samples of black pepper collected by the Rhode Island Department of Health at Daniele International Inc. tested positive for Salmonella. One sample from an open container matched the outbreak strain. Both of Daniele's suppliers have voluntarily placed the remaining supply of pepper testing positive for Salmonella on hold.

The FDA is actively investigating the supply chain of the black pepper used in the manufacturing of the recalled meat products to see if it poses a risk to consumers. The agency has collected and is currently analyzing both domestic and imported black pepper samples. To date, all the samples collected and analyzed by the FDA have tested negative for Salmonella; however, testing continues.

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