More Deli Meats Recalled in Canada as Salmonella Outbreak Grows
A new kind of deli meat is being recalled in Canada as a salmonella outbreak continues to spread. So far, at least 86 people have gotten sick.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a new recall for Rea-brand soppressata salami. This product was sold in Ontario, Alberta, and now Quebec — a province not included in earlier recalls. This means even more areas might be affected.
The salami may be contaminated with salmonella and was sold in stores or used in prepared foods like sandwiches. That makes it harder to know if you’ve eaten any.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), most people who got sick had eaten deli meats. Some bought sandwiches or meats from cafes, butcher shops, or grocery store counters. The outbreak has been linked to several Rea- and Bona-brand salami products that were recalled earlier this summer, with more being added as the investigation continues.
Here’s where the cases have been reported:
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Alberta: 67 cases
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Ontario: 17 cases
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Manitoba: 1 case
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British Columbia: 1 travel-related case
Nine people have been hospitalized, but there have been no deaths. The people who got sick range from babies to seniors over 100 years old.
Here is the updated list of recalled products:
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Bona-brand Mild Genova Salami (lot code: 5035 226)
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Rea-brand Genoa Salami Sweet (lot codes: 5035 226 and 5049 226)
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Rea-brand Genoa Salami Hot (lot codes: 5020 228 and 5035 228)
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NEW: Rea-brand Soppressata Salami Sweet (lot code: 5050 224)
The first outbreak warning was issued in June, when 57 cases had already been confirmed. That number rose to 72 later that month, and by last week, it had reached 84. Now, it’s up to at least 86.
Health officials believe the outbreak may have started back in April. Some new cases are still being reported because testing and confirmation can take time.
What are the symptoms of salmonella?
Symptoms can show up 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Most people recover without medical help, but common symptoms include:
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Fever
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Chills
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Diarrhea
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Stomach cramps
Young children, seniors, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems may get sicker and might need medical care.
This salmonella strain is also resistant to some antibiotics, like ampicillin and streptomycin, which could make treatment harder in serious cases. Other antibiotics still work if treatment is needed.
The CFIA is still investigating and more recalls could happen. If you think you may have eaten one of these recalled meats — especially from a sandwich or deli — it’s best to check with the store or throw it out.
If you feel sick and think it might be related to this outbreak, contact your doctor right away.
