The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Saturday announced a multistate outbreak involving 20 Salmonella illnesses in eight states with three hospitalizations. It has not resulted in any deaths.
The outbreak is linked to Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks sold at Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores.
“Nine people were interviewed about foods they ate before getting sick, and eight reported eating or maybe eating this (Citterio ) product,” according to CDC. “Investigators are still working to determine if additional products may be contaminated.:
CDC’s announcement of the multistate outbreaks comes a day after the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) warned Minnesota consumers not to eat Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks produced by Citterio and purchased at Trader Joe’s or other retailers after linking Salmonella infections to the product.
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 any 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 a 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.
As for this outbreak, CDC recommends that consumers:
- Do not eat Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks with any best-by date.Throw them away.
- Wash items and containers that may have touched the product using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
CDC also recommends that businesses:
- Do not sell or serve Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks.
- Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the product.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)