The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has combined an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections and an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections into one investigation. Combined, the outbreaks are responsible for 36 illnesses in 17 states with 12 hospitalizations and no deaths.
The data for the two outbreaks will be reported together, beginning Aug. 26. No new cases have been reported since the previous notice on Aug. 24.
Epidemiologic data show that Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged “Uncured Antipasto” trays may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick. There have been no recalls.
Epidemiologic Data
Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 9, 2021, to July 27, 2021
The true number of sick people in the outbreaks is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreaks may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, CDC reports. This is because many infected people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella infections. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported because it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
State and local public health officials interviewed people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Officials also obtained some sick people’s shopper records with their consent.
Of the 25 people with information, 22 (88 percent) reported eating a variety of Italian-style meats. Among 15 people who remembered the specific product or had shopper card records showing a purchase, 14 had Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged uncured antipasto trays.
CDC is advising people not to eat Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged Uncured Antipasto trays with “best by” dates on or before Feb. 11, 2022. This does not include Italian-style meats sliced at a deli. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products are linked to illness.
Fratelli Beretta brand prepackaged Uncured Antipasto trays
- Sold nationwide
- Sold in vacuum-sealed plastic packages
- Can include uncured salami, prosciutto, coppa, or soppressata
- With “best by” dates on or before February 11, 2022
- This does not include Italian-style meats sliced at a deli
Ill people reported eating Fratelli Beretta brand uncured antipasto trays before they got sick. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products are linked to illness.
What everyone should do
- Do not eat these products. Throw them away, even if some of them were eaten and no one got sick.
- If you don’t know the brand of prepackaged Italian-style meats you have at home, don’t eat them and throw them away.
- Wash items, containers, and surfaces that may have touched the products 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 degrees F
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not urinating much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
What businesses should do
- Do not sell or serve these products.
- Italian-style meats sliced at a deli are not affected by this advisory.
- Wash and sanitize containers and surfaces that may have come in contact with them.
About Salmonella infections
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.
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