Health officials have identified at least one source of a pair of salmonella outbreaks linked to Italian-style meats that have sickened 36 people across 17 states since May.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday confirmed that the outbreaks are linked to Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged, uncured antipasto trays sold nationwide.
The affected products were sold in vacuum-sealed plastic packages with “best by” dates on or before Feb. 11, 2022, the agency stated.
According to the CDC, the contaminated trays may include uncured salami, prosciutto, coppa or soppressata, but no Italian-style meats sliced at a deli appear to be affected. The investigation is ongoing.
No deaths linked to the outbreaks have been reported, but 12 of the 36 confirmed cases required hospitalization, Today reported.
>> Related: Salmonella outbreak in 17 states linked to Italian-style meats, CDC says
According to the agency, Arizona, California and Illinois have each reported between four and seven cases; Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas and Washington have each reported between two and three cases; and Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin have each reported one case.
To date, the larger of the two outbreaks has sickened 23 people with Salmonella Typhimurium infections across 14 states. Those sickened fell ill between May 30 and July 27 and ranged in age from 4 to 91, with nine requiring hospitalizations. Meanwhile, 13 people ranging in age from 1 to 74 were diagnosed with Salmonella Infantis infections across seven states between May 9 and June 24, requiring three hospitalizations, the CDC confirmed.
Consumers are advised to discard the contaminated meats, even if some of them were eaten and no one fell ill. In addition, any prepackaged Italian-style meats that cannot be readily identified should also be discarded as a precaution, the CDC stated.
Consumers should also wash all items, containers and surfaces that may have come into contact with potentially tainted products, using hot soapy water or a dishwasher, the agency stated.
Medical attention should be sought if any of the following salmonella symptoms occur:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees.
- Diarrhea for more than three days that does not improve.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down.
- Signs of dehydration, including limited urination, dry mouth and throat and dizziness upon standing.
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