A Serious Salmonella Scare: 72 Sick After Consuming Recalled Salami

A concerning salmonella outbreak has sickened 72 people across three Canadian provinces – Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario – after they consumed recalled salami products. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a revised notice on June 24th, highlighting the connection between the outbreak and specific salami brands.

The implicated products include Rea brand Genoa Salami (Sweet and Hot) and Bona brand Mild Genova Salami. These products were initially recalled on June 10th by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) due to potential salmonella contamination. The PHAC’s updated advisory reveals a significant number of illnesses stemming from this recall.

The scale of the outbreak is alarming: 57 laboratory-confirmed salmonella cases have been identified in Alberta, 14 in Ontario, and one in Manitoba. The onset of illnesses ranged from mid-April to mid-June. Adding to the severity, seven individuals have required hospitalization as a result of their salmonella infection.

This situation underscores the critical importance of adhering to food safety guidelines and heeding official product recalls. If you have any of the recalled salami products in your possession, do not consume them. Discard them immediately and consult your local health authority or the CFIA website for further information and guidance.