A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated salami has affected 57 people across two Canadian provinces, with seven individuals requiring hospitalization. The Public Health Agency of Canada announced the outbreak on Wednesday.
Background
Those affected include 44 people in Alberta and 13 in Ontario who became ill after consuming three specific salami products. The contaminated items are Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet, Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot, and Bona brand Mild Genova Salami. Most cases occurred between mid-April and late May, with patients reporting illness after eating the salami in prepared sandwiches or purchasing it from delicatessen counters.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued recalls for these products on June 10, affecting distribution in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. As with all food recalls, the impacted products could have made their way to other geographic locations. The contaminated salami was sold through various retail channels including grocery stores, specialty markets, restaurants, cafés, delicatessens, and butcher shops.
Product Identification
Consumers should check for specific product codes to identify potentially contaminated items: 5035 226, 5049 226, 5020 228, 5035 228, and 5035 226. Anyone possessing these products should discard them immediately and avoid consumption.
Outbreak Details
- Illnesses – 57
- Location of Sick People
- Alberta – 44 sick people
- Ontario – 13 sick people
- Hospitalizations – 7
- Deaths – 0
- Gender
- 61% male
- 39% female
- Age Range – 1 years of age to over 100 years of age
Timeline
The first date of illness was reported on April 13, 2025 with additional cases growing over the following month and a half. The last reported onset of illness were two cases reported on May 25, 2025.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Salmonella represents a significant foodborne bacterial infection that can spread for days or weeks after initial exposure, even in asymptomatic individuals. The infection poses particular dangers to vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, potentially causing severe or fatal complications.
Healthy individuals typically experience short-term symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms can develop within hours to several days after consuming contaminated food products.
The outbreak notice said that the particular strain of Salmonella associated with this outbreak is resistant to multiple drugs. Certain antibiotics, including streptomycin, kanamycin, ampicillin, and sulfisoxazole are known to be ineffective in treating this strain. The alert did say that other antibiotics, although not named, could still treat various illnesses associated with an infection from this strain, if needed.
Public Health Response
Health authorities continue monitoring the outbreak and investigating the contamination source.
Consumers who have consumed the recalled products and experience symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.
