THUNDER BAY — Marini Foods Limited has issued a major recall of multiple cured meat products, including various brands of salami and cacciatore sausages, following concerns over a potential contamination with a multi-drug-resistant strain of salmonella.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed on Saturday that it is investigating 13 affected brands: Bona, Cosmo’s Smoked Meats, Imperial Meats, Longos, Luc’s European Meats Cheese & Eats, Marini Salumi, Naturissimo, P&E Foods, Rea, Speziale Fine Foods, Superior Meats, T.J. Meats, and Vince’s Cured Meats Corp.
At least 67 processed meat products associated with these brands were distributed to grocery stores, delis, restaurants, hotels, institutions, and the general public across Canada. The CFIA is working to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation and has warned that additional recalls may follow as the investigation continues.
Consumers may have purchased or consumed these products through retailers, specialty markets, or food establishments — including in prepared items like sandwiches.
As of Saturday evening, 87 confirmed cases of salmonella illness have been reported nationwide, with 17 cases occurring in Ontario. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also involved in the ongoing investigation and will update its advisory as new information emerges.
Salmonella-contaminated food often appears and smells normal, making detection difficult. Symptoms typically develop within 6 to 72 hours of exposure and may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches. Most people recover within a week without treatment.
However, certain populations — such as young children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems — are at higher risk for severe complications, including hospitalization, long-term health issues like reactive arthritis, or even death.
Infected individuals can also unknowingly spread the bacteria to others for several days or weeks, even if they don’t show symptoms.
The illness reporting period may extend from 11 to 45 days, meaning more cases could still be reported.
Consumers, food retailers, and establishments are urged to check for recalled items, dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise after consuming any of the affected products.
The recalled products were distributed in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, though distribution may not be limited to these provinces.
