Salmonella Montevideo Outbreak Being Investigated

The FDA, along with CDC and USDA, is working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and other states in the investigation of an outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infection associated with certain salami products. On Jan. 23, 2010, Daniele International Inc. recalled ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products, including salami.

CDC reports that 202 people have been infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia. Recently, the CDC and public health officials in multiple states conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 41 ill and 41 well persons. Preliminary analysis of this study has suggested pepper-coated salami as a possible source of illness.

Recent test results provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed that an opened container of black pepper used at the salami manufacturing facility of at least some of the recalled products were positive for Salmonella Montevideo and that the DNA fingerprint matched the outbreak strain.

The FDA is actively investigating the supply chain of the black pepper used in the manufacturing of the recalled meat products to see if it poses a risk to consumers. The agency has collected and is currently analyzing black pepper samples. To date, all the samples collected and analyzed by the FDA have tested negative for Salmonella; however, sample collection and analysis continues.

If FDA identifies risks associated with the black pepper, or any other product, it will take appropriate action to protect the public health.

The complete story and links are at FDA.