The CDC Expands Charcuterie Meat Outbreak Warning
As cases related to the Salmonella contaminated Busseto brand and Fratelli brand charcuterie meat products, sold at both Costco and Sam’s Club, double, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a new food safety warning just last Thursday, expanding the products under the same brand that consumers need to be aware of.
Earlier this month, the recall resulted in stores pulling approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products off their shelves. Although the recall only included one lot code for consumers to be wary of, as is commonly the case, the danger grew as more information was gathered. Now, the CDC’s expanded food safety alert urges customers to steer clear of both the Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler sold at Sam’s Club, and the Fratelli brand Antipasto Gran Beretta sold at Costco, regardless of the lot code.
As of right now, at least 47 people have been sickened in 22 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. A further 10 have also been hospitalized after consuming the products linked to the outbreak.
At least one national food safety law firm, Ron Simon & Associates, has filed a Busseto brand and Fratelli brand charcuterie lawsuit, naming SAMS, on behalf of the victims of this outbreak. According to Ron Simon:
“We now represent numerous victims in numerous states, from Texas to New York.”
The CDC urges consumers to utilize caution and follow proper food handling practices, as this will help prevent illness.
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 labeled as dangerous, and 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.
