The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and other public health agencies have been investigating a multi-state outbreak caused by Salmonella serotype Montevideo. As of February 23, 2010, 238 individuals infected with the outbreak strain have been reported from 44 states; one ill individual lives in Virginia.
During January 16-21, 2010, 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 salami as a possible source of illness. Ill persons (58%) were significantly more likely than well persons (16%) to report eating salami. Additionally, 16 ill persons have been identified who purchased the same type of sliced salami variety pack at different grocery store locations before becoming ill. Three additional ill persons have been identified who purchased a similar type of sliced salami deli tray before becoming ill. These data suggest this product may be the source of some of these illnesses. This sliced salami variety pack was recently recalled by Daniele International Inc. CDC and public health officials in multiple states continue to interview ill persons to ask them about the foods they ate during the week before they became ill as well as to collect shopper card information.
FSIS has issued several news releases announcing Daniele International Inc. recalled products and has compiled a master list of these products (found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_006_2010_Products/index.asp) for easy reference by consumers. News releases were issued on January 23, 2010 (initial recall), January 31st (expanded recall), February 4th (updated information of January 23rd recall), and February 16th (expanded recall). Many of these products can have an extended shelf life of up to one year. These products were distributed to retail establishments nationwide (list may be found at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/RC_006_2010_Retail_List.pdf).
Children less than 5 years old, elderly persons, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe disease.
More information about the Salmonella Montevideo outbreak investigation, including advice for consumers, is available at the CDC website.