Peppered Salami Causes Salmonella Outbreak
A Rhode Island based-company, Daniele International, Inc., issued a recall late January due to a salmonella outbreak. The outbreak affected over 200 people in 42 different states, including Missouri. Over 1.25 million pounds of salami were recalled after the endemic continued to spread across state lines.
Officials determined that those who got sick all shopped at Costco (a Daniele salami supplier) prior to becoming ill. Researchers tested a sample of the Costco salami and it was positive for salmonella. Since salami does not usually contain the bacteria, investigators were led to believe that black pepper was the contaminating factor.
According to the CDC and the FDA, the levels of contamination for pepper and spices are generally low; however, black pepper is more likely to carry salmonella compared to other spices because it is sun-dried in order to retain its outer skins. The direct correlation between Daniele International and the salmonella outbreak is still under investigation; therefore, the company has not taken full responsibility for the outbreak.
Salmonella symptoms usually include nausea, chills and a fever, which are symptoms that are closely related to the stomach flu. Most people are unaware that they have a salmonella infection and let it go untreated and undiagnosed. Food poisoning can lead to many complicated health issues and, in the most serious of cases, death.
If you, or a loved one, have suffered from food poisoning or a food borne illness, help may be available. Do not hesitate to call a knowledgeable St. Louis food borne illness lawyer at Page Cagle. We can help you file a claim and recover compensation for your injuries or loss. Contact Page Cagle today for a free and comprehensive consultation.
Sources: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/peppered-salami-salmonella-outbreak/story?id=9666209
