Tainted salami outbreak that caused many illnesses in Ontario is finally over

Salami lovers can breathe a sigh of relief after a months-long salmonella outbreak in Canada appears to be over.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) announced on Tuesday that its investigation into salami and cacciatore brand salmonella outbreaks has been closed.

"The outbreak appears to be over, and the investigation has been closed," the agency stated.

According to PHAC, people became sick between mid-April and early August 2024. Altogether, there were 90 cases of salmonella illnesses across four provinces:

• British Columbia (one)
• Alberta (69)
• Manitoba (one)
• Ontario (19)

Of the reported cases, 10 people were hospitalized, and there were no deaths.

"Many people who became sick reported eating salami in prepared sandwiches or purchased from deli counters where the recalled products were served," reads the notice.

Recall notices for several salami and cacciatore brands were issued between June and August due to the salmonella outbreak.

In early June, the Rea brand Genoa Salami and the Bona brand Genova Salami were recalled. The salmonella cases in this recall increased, prompting PHAC to issue another warning later that month.

In July and August, the health agency recalled more salami and cacciatore products from the following 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
• Vince's Cured Meats Corp.

The products were distributed to grocery stores, specialty markets, restaurants and cafés, delis, and butcher shops.

Salmonella is a foodborne bacterial illness that can affect anyone exposed to a contaminated food product.

"People who are infected with salmonella bacteria can spread salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms," stated PHAC.

It advised 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.