Tainted salami illnesses rising across Canada with over a dozen in Ontario

Illnesses linked to Genova and Genoa Salami brands continue to rise in Canada, so you may want to reduce your consumption of deli meats in sandwiches.

The Public Health Agency of Canada released an update on Tuesday regarding the recall of Rea brand Genoa Salami and Bona brand Genova Salami due to salmonella contamination.

The affected products were distributed in Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba at grocery stores, specialty markets, restaurants, cafes, delis, and butcher shops.

"These products may have been used in prepared products like sandwiches or sold at deli counters," reads the update.

Earlier this month, the agency reported 57 salmonella-related illnesses in Canada, with 44 cases in Alberta and 13 in Ontario. Now, there are 72 cases — 57 in Alberta, one in Manitoba and 14 in Ontario. The number of hospitalizations remains at seven.

The affected products include:

• Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet (Lots: 5035 226 and 5049 226)
• Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot (Lots: 5020 228 and 5035 228)
• Bona brand Mild Genova Salami (Lot: 5035 226)

CFIA

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall of these brands on June 11.

"Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but can still make you sick," stated the notice. "Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections."

Canada's public health agency added that people who are infected with Salmonella can spread the bacteria to others several days to weeks after they become infected, even if they don't have symptoms.

It advises individual Canadians, retailers, distributors and food service establishments to do the following:

• Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment by looking for the specific product name and size, UPC and codes in the recall alert
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products or any product made with them
• Dispose of the recalled products or return them to the location where you purchased them. Consumers or establishments who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact their retailer or supplier where the products were purchased
• Consumers who have purchased a prepared sandwich containing salami and are unsure if it contains recalled products are advised to contact the retailer where the sandwich was purchased
• Do not cook food for other people if you've been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness
• Contact your health care provider if you think you're experiencing symptoms of salmonella

The agency states that it is conducting a food safety investigation, which may result in a recall of additional products. It's also verifying that the brands are removing recalled products from the marketplace.