FDA Continues Investigations Into Recent Salmonella Contamination of Salami Products

March 25, 2010 - PRLog -- The CDC, along with the Food and Drug Administration and the US Dept. of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to investigate a Salmonella food poisoning outbreak that seems to be associated with salami and Italian-style sausage products.  These agencies are working closely with the Rhode Island Dept. of Health as well as other states to try to identify the exact source of this outbreak.

The Rhode Island Dept. of Health recently collected samples of black pepper used in producing the salami products, and found that it tested positive for Salmonella.  An open container at Daniele International Inc., was tested, and found to match the outbreak strain.  Now, the supply chain of the black pepper is being investigated by the FDA.  So far, almost 70 domestic and imported samples of black pepper have been collected and analyzed, all testing negative for the particular outbreak strain of Salmonella in the news recently.

No conclusion has been reached yet, and the FDA continues to investigate whether black pepper is the cause of this outbreak.  Meanwhile, both suppliers of black pepper to Daniele International, Wholesome Spice Company of New York and Mincing Overseas Spice Company of New Jersey, have placed the supply of black pepper in potentially affected lots on temporary hold while the investigation continues by the FDA.

Consumers are advised to visit the USDA-FSIS web site to view a listing of all recalled products in able to determine whether they may have any products in their homes.  The meat products that have been recalled have an extended shelf life of up to one year, so many may still be in your freezer or in grocery stores.

Salmonella food poisoning (http://www.esalmonellafoodpoisoning.com/) can be serious and even fatal in young children or the elderly.  Individuals with weakened immune systems are more at risk of serious illness as well.  Individuals who have eaten any Italian sausage products and are experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or fever should seek medical attention at once.

In the event that you are injured because of Salmonella infection, you need to immediately obtain medical treatment for your injuries. If your injury costs become overbearing, you definitely need to consider contacting a food poisoning attorney (http://www.brownchiari.com/AreasOfPractice/FoodPoisoningL...) to review your case and determine whether you are entitled to reimbursement for your injuries.  

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