On January 3rd, 2024, Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., recalled approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The recall was initiated after authorities identified the bacteria Salmonella in the product. The product was tested by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This outbreak, thus far, has resulted in 24 illnesses and 5 hospitalizations in 14 states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s testing revealed that Salmonella was found in unopened samples of Busseto Foods Charcuterie Samplers with prosciutto, sweet soppressata, and dry copa. As of yet, it has not yet been determined conclusively that the strain found in Busseto Foods’s goods matches the strain of bacteria related to the outbreak.
The samplers subject to the recall were sold as two 9-ounce packages and have a lot code of L075330300 and best by date of April 27, 2024. The products also have the establishment number “EST. 7543B” inside the USDA mark of inspection and “EST. #47967” printed with the lot and date codes. According to the CDC, the items were shipped to Sam’s Club distribution centers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Overall, the most important thing to note is that although the products have been taken off of store shelves, they may still be in consumers’ refrigerators. Therefore, it is incredibly important that customers check their refrigerators for the product. Furthermore, if they have it, it is vital that they immediately discard it and wash all surfaces (i.e. countertops, shelves) with warm, soapy water, that may have come into contact with the product. Unopened packages should be labelled as dangerous, adn discarded or taken back to the place of purchase.
Most symptoms of salmonellosis develop between 6 hours and 6 days post consumption of the item contaminated with the bacteria. Although most are able to fight off the illness themselves, those who are younger, elderly, or immunocompromised are more at risk. If someone experiences a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, three or more days of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting that prevents one from keeping food and liquid down, or signs of dehydration, it is important to contact your local health provider immediately. Hospitalization may be required.
According to a national salmonella lawyer who has represented thousands of victims, “if you become ill, always ask to to have a stool test performed.”
