Three days after the CDC announced that Fratelli Beretta Italian meat products were linked to a Salmonella outbreak, the company has announced a nationwide recall of more than 430 tons of one of its products.

Fratelli Beretta USA Inc. of Mount Olive, NJ, is recalling 24-ounce trays containing two 12-ounce packages of “Fratelli Beretta UNCURED ANTIPASTO PROSCIUTTO, SOPPRESSATA, MILANO SALAMI & COPPA” with best by dates of Aug 27, 2021, through Feb 11, 2022. The products are marked with the UPC number 073541305316 and have an establishment number “EST. 7543B” printed on the packaging next to the best by date.

The products are labeled as ready to eat, according to the recall announcement posted by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. The ready-to-eat (RTE) uncured antipasto meat trays were produced from Feb. 28, 2021, through Aug. 15, 2021. There are 862,000 pounds of product subject to this recall.

Because of the long shelf life of the meat product there is concern that consumers may have it in their homes. Consumers are advised to check the label information of any product they have on hand. If the codes match the recalled products the meat should immediately be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been investigating a combined outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections and an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections and found a link to Fratelli Beretta products. Combined, the outbreaks are responsible for 36 illnesses in 17 states with 12 hospitalizations and no deaths. As of Aug. 26 the data for the two outbreaks is being reported together because the investigations have been combined. 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,” according to the CDC’s outbreak alert.

Some ill people reported eating Fratelli Beretta brand uncured antipasto before they got sick and the traceback investigation confirmed that some of the ill people purchased uncured antipasto trays produced by Fratelli Beretta USA Inc., according to the CDC.

When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Fratelli Beretta USA Inc.’s recall hotline at 866-918-8738.

In 2017 Fratelli Beretta recalled product because of misbranding and undeclared allergens.

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 of the recalled product and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection 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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