On Thursday, August 26th, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) reported that 36 people across 17 states, including 2 in Washington, fell ill and 12 were hospitalized in outbreaks involving 2 strains of Salmonella between May 9th and July 27th.
Those that fell ill reported eating Fratelli Beretta brand uncured antipasto trays before they got sick. The CDC’s investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products are linked to illness.
Products of concern are 24-oz. trays containing two 12-oz packages of “Fratelli Beretta UNCURED ANTIPASTO PROSCIUTTO, SOPPRESSATA, MILANO SALAMI & COPPA” with best by dates of AUG 27 21 through FEB 11 22 and UPC code 073541305316.
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Click for more informationThe Fratelli Beretta trays were sold nationwide in vacuum-sealed plastic packages.
The CDC advises anyone with these products to throw them away, even if some of them were eaten and no one got sick. In addition, if you don’t know the brand of prepackaged Italian-style meats you have at home, don’t eat them and throw them away.
Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days. Some people, especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older and people with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
The true number of sick people in the outbreaks is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreaks may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many infected people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
This story was updated at 4:30pm with specific product packaging and product descriptions provided by USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).