February 9, 2010
Government food inspectors say 213 people have been infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia in the recent outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections associated with certain Italian-style sausage products.
In an update on their joint investigations, the Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said a preliminary analysis suggests salami/salame as a possible source of illness.
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 agency has published
a complete list of the recalled products online.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. The remaining supply of pepper testing positive for Salmonella has been voluntarily placed on hold by both of Daniele's suppliers.
The FDA said it 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.
If FDA identifies a public health risk associated with black pepper, or any other product, the agency said it will take the appropriate action necessary to protect the public's health. The recalled meat products have an extended shelf life up to one year. Therefore, recalled products may still be in grocery stores and in consumers' homes, including in the freezer.
