US CDC Expands Warning of Salmonella Infections Linked to Costco and Sam’s Club Products

Federal health officials announced they are expanding an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella in meat products sold at Costco and Sam’s Club.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on January 18, 2024 that a recall of charcuterie meats—Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta—for salmonella contamination has expanded to include a new brand that is sold at Costco. The recall and associated warnings were initially for Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler products sold at Sam’s Club.

In all, 47 people in 22 states have been sickened, while 10 people have been hospitalized in connection to the two products, the CDC said, which issued a “food safety alert” over the products. The CDC further said that the actual number of salmonella infections is likely higher and could be present in other states.

“Investigators are working to determine if any additional products may be contaminated,” the CDC also stated.

The 22 states where salmonella illnesses were reported in connection to the Sam’s Club and Costco-sold products, according to the CDC, include 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. Earlier in January, CDC officials reported that 24 illnesses and five hospitalizations occurred in 14 states.

The agency is now advising consumers and retailers not to purchase, sell, or consume either of the two sampler tray products. The meat trays come in twin packs that include Italian dry salami, dry coppa, prosciutto, and black pepper-coated dry salami, as well as prosciutto, sweet soppressata, and dry coppa, according to the CDC.

“While this investigation is ongoing, do not eat the Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from Sam’s Club or Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta from Costco. Throw them away,” the CDC said. “Wash surfaces and containers that may have touched these products using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.”

The salmonella cases linked to the Fratelli Beretta product were first founded by the Washington state Department of Health, according to a news release issued on Jan. 18.

The department said that consumers should “check your refrigerator and freezer for the Fratelli Beretta Antipasto Gran Beretta (sold by Costco) and the Busseto Charcuterie Sampler (sold by Sam’s Club), adding: “Throw them away or return them where you bought them.”

Meanwhile, Fratelli Beretta recalled more than 11,000 pounds of charcuterie meat products earlier in January, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release. One specific lot code was impacted.

Salmonella Symptoms

Health authorities say Salmonella infections may cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Salmonella can sometimes enter the bloodstream, causing more significant illnesses such as endocarditis, arthritis, and arterial infections. In rare cases, the bacterial infections can be fatal, officials say.

Young children, older people, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk of developing severe illness.

The CDC and state health department also advised consumers to call their health care provider right away if they have more severe symptoms, including a fever higher than 102 degrees F in combination with diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, diarrhea for more than three days without signs of improvement, so much vomiting that they can’t drink liquids, as well as signs of dehydration. That includes dry mouth, dry throat, not as much urination, and feeling dizzy or lightheaded when standing.

Symptoms of the bacterial infection tend to start between six hours and six days after a person consumes the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment in four to seven days, officials say.

Antibiotics are often used to treat people with severe salmonella infections, while patients with diarrhea are advised to drink more fluids.

Reposted from: https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/cdc-expands-warning-of-salmonella-infections-linked-to-costco-and-sams-club-products-5570647