Charcuterie Meats Sold at Sam’s & Costco Recalled Due to ‘Possible Salmonella Contamination’
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning the public of a salmonella outbreak in 22 states, including Illinois & Kentucky, linked to charcuterie meats sold at Sam's and Costco stores.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a harmful bacteria that can lead to severe infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which can be bloody), and abdominal pain if exposed to Salmonella.
Salmonella Symptom Onset
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can begin anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria and in rare cases, can spread to the bloodstream, causing more critical conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
<p>Most people with <em>Salmonella</em> infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.</p><p>Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks.</p><p><em>Salmonella</em> strains sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system (spinal fluid and brain), and can cause severe disease. - CDC</p>
How is Salmonella Spread?
The Food and Drug Administration explains that there are a number of ways that salmonella can be spread including consuming undercooked food, improper food handling, and improper hand washing.
<em>Salmonella</em> are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. <em>Salmonella</em> can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps, and when people eat raw or undercooked foods. <em>Salmonella</em> can also spread from animals to people. People who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animals to food if they do not practice proper hand washing hygiene before handling food. Pets can also spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with <em>Salmonella</em>. - FDA
Charcuterie Meats May Be Contaminated
The USDA has issued a public health alert as it is believed that ready-to-eat charcuterie meats sold under the brands The Fratelli Beretta and The Busseto at Sam's and Costco stores across the country.
<p> </p><p>The Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta was sold at Costco in a 24-oz. twin-pack (two 12-oz. trays). The Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler was sold at Sam's Club in an 18-oz. twin-pack (two 9-oz. trays). Any lot code associated with either product is potentially contaminated. The products are no longer available for purchase at Costco and Sam's Club.</p>
The Products Are No Longer Available for Purchase
The products have been pulled from store shelves and are no longer available for purchase. However, consumers are encouraged to check their refrigerators. The FSIS says that any lot code associated with these products could be contaminated.
Consumers are urged to throw away any of these products that they may have in their homes or return them to their point of purchase. You should not consume any of these products.
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