My Food Poisoning Lawyer

The salmonella salami outbreak continues to grow.  As of 9:00 pm EST on February 2, 2010, a total of 207 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009.  The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (4), CT (4), DC (1), DE (2), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (4), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (8), NM (2), NY (16), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (5), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (5), TX (7), UT (9), VA (1), WA (15), WV (1), and WY (2).

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 19, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from < 1 year old to 93 years old and the median age is 37 years.  Fifty-three percent of patients are male.  Among the 155 patients with available information, 41 (26%) were hospitalized.  No deaths have been reported.

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, 13 ill persons have been identified who purchased the same type of sliced salami variety pack at different grocery store locations 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.

On January 23, 2010, FSIS issued a news release that Daniele International Inc. is recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products (including salame/salami) in commerce and potentially available to customers in retail locations because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.  These products can have an extended shelf life of up to one year.  Daniele has stopped production of salami products.

This initial recall followed isolation of Salmonella in a private laboratory from a retail sample of a salami product produced by Daniele International; this product was different than the sliced salami variety pack purchased at different grocery store locations by the 13 ill persons.  FSIS reviewed and affirmed these private laboratory results. The Salmonella strain initially found by the private laboratory was different from the strains causing the outbreak. However, the Washington State Department of Health subsequently tested the bacterial culture provided by the private laboratory (the salami was not provided) and identified two different Salmonellaserotypes, the strain found by the private lab and Salmonella Montevideo indistinguishable from the outbreak strain.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Public Health and public health officials in Plymouth County, Iowa investigated a patient with SalmonellaMontevideo infection indistinguishable from the outbreak strain and discovered an open sliced salami variety pack frozen at the patient’s home.  The patient had eaten this product before becoming ill. This sliced salami variety pack was the same as that purchased by 13 other ill persons.  Using DNA analysis, the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory (Iowa’s public health laboratory) confirmed that the Salmonella isolated from this leftover salami was indistinguishable from the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo.

On January 31, 2010, FSIS issued a second news release that Daniele International Inc. has expanded its recall to include more ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage products.  Specific products include: 

• Packages of “DANIELE HOT SOPRESSATA CALABRESE,” produced on 11/7/09, 12/16/09 and 12/18/09.
• Packages of “DANIELE SOPRESSATA CALABRESE,” produced on 12/16/09 and 12/18/09.
• Packages of “BOAR’S HEAD BRAND HOT SOPRESSATA CALABRESE,” produced on 11/28/09, 12/9/09 and 12/14/09.

On February 4, 2010, the recall was updated to include two additional products, adding approximately 23,754 pounds to the January 23 recall.

These products were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The recall is being expanded as a result of a confirmed finding of Salmonellain an unopened salami product reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  The product was sampled during the course of an ongoing investigation of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella serotype Montevideo illnesses.  The product tested was not included in the previous recall (FSIS Recall 006-2010) issued January 23, 2010, but is similar to products bought by customers who later became sick and were identified as part of the Montevideo investigation.  The company believes that black pepper is a possible source of Salmonella contamination.

Further testing is ongoing at a state health partner laboratory, and might determine if the product tested in Illinois contained the SalmonellaMontevideo strain associated with the multistate outbreak.  Daniele International Inc. has recalled ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products, including salami, which are regulated by the USDA. Some of the products contain black pepper, which is regulated by the FDA.

Recent test results provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed that an opened container of black pepper used in the manufacturing of at least some of the recalled products was positive for Salmonella Montevideo and that the DNA fingerprint matched the outbreak strain: http://www.ri.gov/press/view/10647 *.

The FDA is investigating the supply chain of the black pepper used in the manufacturing of the recalled meat products. The Agency has collected and is currently analyzing black pepper samples.

WASHINGTON, January 31, 2010 - Daniele International Inc., has expanded its January 23 recall (1,240,000 pounds of salami / sausage procucts) to include an additional 17,235 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage products, including salami, that may be contaminated with Salmonella Montevideo. 

The recall is being expanded as a result of a confirmed finding of Salmonella in an unopened salami product reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  The product was sampled during the course of an ongoing investigation of a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella serotype Montevideo illnesses that has sickened over 200 people in 42 states.  The product tested was not included in the previous recall (FSIS Recall 006-2010) issued January 23, but is similar to products bought by customers who later became sick in the Montevideo investigation. Product subject to the expanded recall may have been cross-contaminated with black pepper before it was packed. The company believes that black pepper is the possible source of Salmonella contamination.

Further testing is ongoing at a state health partner laboratory, and may determine if the product contained the Salmonella Montevideo strain associated with the multi-state outbreak.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), FSIS, state health and agriculture departments, and Daniele International are cooperating in this investigation.  The CDC has posted information about the multi-state outbreak on its website (http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella) and the investigation is ongoing.

The products subject to recall include:

• Packages of “DANIELE HOT SOPRESSATA CALABRESE,” produced on 11/7/09, 12/16/09 and 12/18/09.
• Packages of “DANIELE SOPRESSATA CALABRESE,” produced on 12/16/09 and 12/18/09.
• Packages of “BOAR’S HEAD BRAND HOT SOPRESSATA CALABRESE,” produced on 11/28/09, 12/9/09 and 12/14/09.

Each package bears a label with establishment number “EST. 54” inside the USDA mark of inspection and weighs approximately 3 to 3.5 pounds. These products were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.  When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

The CDC announced this evening that as of 9:00 pm EST on January 28, 2010, a total of 202 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009.

Illness Distribution

The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (4), CT (4), DC (1), DE (2), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (3), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NM (2), NY (16), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (5), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (4), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (15), WV (1), and WY (2).

Illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 11, 2010.  Infected individuals range in age from < 1 year old to 93 years old and the median age is 37 years.  Fifty-three percent of patients are male.  Among the 148 patients with available information, 38 (26%) were hospitalized.  No deaths have been reported.

The Investigation

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 Daniele International Inc. salami as a possible source of illness.  Ill persons (58%) were significantly more likely than well persons (16%) to report eating salami.  Additionally, 13 ill persons have been identified who purchased the same type of Daniele salami at different grocery store locations before becoming ill, suggesting that Daniele salami was the source of their illnesses.

Daniele Recalls 1,240,000 Pounds of Pepper Coated Italian Sausage / Salami Products

On January 23, 2010, FSIS issued a notice* that Daniele International Inc. recalled approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products (including salame/salami) due to potential Salmonella Montevideo contamination.  These products can have an extended shelf life of up to one year.  Daniele has now halted production of all salami products.

Daniele Products Test Positive for the Outbreak Salmonella Strain

This recall followed isolation of Salmonella in a private laboratory from a retail sample of a salami product produced by Daniele; this product was different than the sliced salami variety pack purchased at different grocery store locations by the 13 ill persons.  FSIS reviewed and affirmed these private laboratory results.  The Salmonella strain initially found by the private laboratory was different from the strains causing the outbreak.

However, the Washington State Department of Health subsequently tested the bacterial culture provided by the private laboratory (the salami was not provided) and identified two different Salmonella serotypes, the strain found by the private lab and Salmonella Montevideo indistinguishable from the outbreak strain.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Public Health and public health officials in Plymouth County, Iowa investigated a patient with Salmonella Montevideo infection indistinguishable from the outbreak strain and discovered an open sliced salami variety pack frozen at the patient’s home.  The patient had eaten this product before becoming ill. This sliced salami variety pack was the same as that purchased by 13 other ill persons.  Using DNA analysis, the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory (Iowa’s public health laboratory) confirmed that the Salmonella isolated from this leftover salami was indistinguishable from the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo.

Recent test results provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed that an opened container of black pepper used in the manufacturing of at least some of the recalled products was positive for Salmonella Montevideo and that the DNA fingerprint matched the outbreak strain: http://www.ri.gov/press/view/10647 *.

Simon & Luke Can Help

If you or a loved one have tested positive for salmonella, and have been contacted by the health department, you may have a viable claim against Daniele, Inc.  Call the salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke toll free at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation of your legal rights.

We have represented over 2000 victims of food poisoning in the last 2 years alone, and we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.

We currently represent hundreds of persons sicked by salmonella poisoning from Austin / Keebler peanut butter crackers, Union International Foods black pepper, and Daniele, Inc. salami.

Sometimes we actually get things right when it comes to outbreaks.

As I wrote in my article a few days ago, I suggested that the source of the current Salmonella Montevideo outbreak would turn out to be black pepper on Daniel, Inc. salami products, not the salami itself.  Well, today that prediction was proven correct.

The Rhode Island Department of Health has released new test results indicating that the strain of Salmonella Montevideo blamed for a multistate outbreak associated with Daniele, Inc. salami products has been found in a container of ground pepper from the salami producer, linking the outbreak to contaminated black pepper.

Annemarie Beardsworth, a spokeswoman for the Rhode Island Department of Health, today reported findings from the department’s tests of ground pepper from Daniele. “We got positive results for Salmonella, and the strain did match the national outbreak,” she said. “The one caveat is the sample was from an opened container of ground pepper. That means it’s the probable source of the outbreak. We do have samples from closed containers that are in the process of being tested.”

Daniele Inc., based in Pascoag, R.I., had announced earlier this week it had also found Salmonella in black pepper it was using, but the company did not specify whether it matched the Salmonella Montevideo strain found in ill patients.

The outbreak of n Montevideo has sickened 189 persons in 40 states.

Beardsworth said the ground pepper came from a New York firm called Wholesome Spice, a distributor that sells ground pepper only to Daniele.

Salmonella Montevideo Illnesses Increase

As of 9:00 pm EST on January 25, 2010, a total of 189 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 40 states since July 1, 2009.  The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (3), CT (4), DE (2), FL (2), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (1), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NY (15), OH (9), OK (1), OR (8), PA (3), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (4), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (14), WV (1), and WY (2).

Illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 7, 2010.  Infected individuals range in age from < 1 year old to 88 years old and the median age is 36 years. Fifty-three percent of patients are male.  Among the 134 patients with available information, 37 (28%) were hospitalized.  No deaths have been reported.

DNA Testing Links Daniele products to the Outbreak

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, 13 ill persons have been identified who purchased the same type of sliced salami variety pack at different grocery store locations 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.

On January 23, 2010, FSIS issued a notice that Daniele International Inc. is recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products (including salame/salami) in commerce and potentially available to customers in retail locations because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. (www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_006_2010_Release/index.asp).  These products can have an extended shelf life of up to one year.  Daniele has halted production of salami products.

This recall followed isolation of Salmonella in a private laboratory from a retail sample of a salami product produced by Daniele; this product was different than the sliced salami variety pack purchased at different grocery store locations by the 13 ill persons.  FSIS reviewed and affirmed these private laboratory results.  The Salmonella strain initially found by the private laboratory was different from the strains causing the outbreak.  However, the Washington State Department of Health subsequently tested the bacterial culture provided by the private laboratory (the salami was not provided) and identified two different Salmonella serotypes, the strain found by the private lab and Salmonella Montevideo indistinguishable from the outbreak strain.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Public Health and public health officials in Plymouth County, Iowa investigated a patient with Salmonella Montevideo infection indistinguishable from the outbreak strain and discovered an open sliced salami variety pack frozen at the patient’s home. The patient had eaten this product before becoming ill. This sliced salami variety pack was the same as that purchased by 13 other ill persons.  Using DNA analysis, the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory (Iowa’s public health laboratory) confirmed that the Salmonella isolated from this leftover salami was indistinguishable from the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo.

Have Questions? Call Simon & Luke Toll Free

If you or a loved one have any questions about this outbreak, please give the salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke a call at 1-888-335-4901.  We take hundreds of call every day from and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

This afternoon, officials at the Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa confirmed that testing performed on a sample of Daniele, Inc. sausage taken from an ill individual found a DNA match to the Salmonella Montevideo that has sickened 187 people in 39 states (one case in Iowa) since July 1, 2009.

On Jan. 23, Daniele announced a recall of more than 1.2 million pounds of its sausage products because of the possible salmonella contamination.  More information about the recalled products is available on the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/. 

The Iowa Department of Public Health and public health officials in Plymouth County, Iowa, investigated the one case of Salmonella Montevideo in the state.  They discovered leftover suspected sausage product frozen in the individual’s home and immediately sent the meat to the Hygienic Laboratory for testing. 

Using DNA fingerprinting, the laboratory confirmed that the meat product contained the same Salmonella Montevideo strain as the national outbreak, which also matched the salmonella isolate from the patient.  The Hygienic Laboratory is the first lab in the nation to confirm this connection.

The CDC tonight released updated statistics on the current Salmonella Montevideo outbreak - it has now expanded to 187 individuals in 39 states.  The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows:

AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (3), CT (4), DE (2), FL (2), GA (3), IA (1), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (1), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NY (15), OH (9), OK (1), OR (8), PA (3), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (4), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (14), WV (1), and WY (2).

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 2, 2009 and January 7, 2010.  Infected individuals range in age from <1 year old to 88 years old and the median age is 36 years.  Fifty-two percent of patients are male.  Among the 133 patients with available information, 37 (28%) were hospitalized.  No deaths have been reported to date.

The CDC Epideiologic Study Confirms Link to Salami

The CDC has also now implicated Daniele, Inc. pepper-coated salami as a likely source of the outbreak.  As the CDC posted on its website:

During January 16-21, 2010, CDC and public health officials in multiple states conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 39 ill and 39 well persons. Preliminary analysis of this study has suggested salami as a possible source of illness. Ill persons (51 percent) were significantly more likely than well persons (15 percent) to report eating salami. Additionally, 11 ill persons have been identified who purchased the same type of sliced salami variety pack at different grocery store locations 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.  On January 23, 2010, FSIS issued a notice that Daniele International Inc. is recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products (including salame/salami) in commerce and potentially available to customers in retail locations because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

This recall followed isolation of Salmonella in a private laboratory from a retail sample of a salami product produced by Daniele International. FSIS reviewed and affirmed these private laboratory results. This Salmonella strain is different from the strains causing the outbreak. In addition, this product was different than the sliced salami variety pack purchased at different grocery store locations by the 11 ill persons. CDC and its public health partners are continuing the epidemiological investigation to verify that the outbreak is controlled, and to identify the specific products or ingredients that became contaminated and how the contamination occurred, and to identify any other food vehicles that may be involved.  It is possible that more than one food product may be causing illnesses.  The investigation is on-going.

So what does this mean?

My interpretation - the CDC has enough laboratory proof to state that that Daniele, Inc. salami is a probable source, and is awaiting more laboratory testing data that will conclusively establish that the pepper-coated salami is the only source for this outbreak.  I expect that the CDC will come to this conclusion in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned.

How Simon & Luke Can Help

If you or a loved one have tested positive for salmonella, please contact the salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke toll free at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation on your legal rights.  We have helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in lost wages, medical and pharmaceutical bills, and pain and suffering caused by the ingestion of tainted food.

As more details continue to pour in about the nationwide Salmonella Montevideo outbreak that has sickened 184 in 38 states, it seems that health investigators are now focused on the key question:  Is the source of salmonella the pepper coating on the Daniele salami or the salami itself?

My guess - the pepper coating.

Why is Pepper a Likely Source?

In most cases, peppercorns are grown in foreign countries (primarily India, Thailand, China, and Vietnam) and imported to the United States.  The US manufacturer then grinds the raw peppercorns into finer grains, and then packages the grains for sale.  Unfortunately, typically growers and producers do not use a “kill step” such as heat treatment to kill any salmonella bacteria present on peppercorns.  Thus, unless the kernels are properly washed before they are ground up, then the salmonella bacteria present on the kernels (which are naturally present in the ground from animal and bird feces) will find its way into your kitchen.  This is exactly why Daniele, Inc. has now suggested that it will use irradiation to kill any bacteria present on future batches of peppercorns.

A Similar Outbreak - the 2009 Salmonella Pepper Outbreak in the Northwest United States

There have been several recent salmonella outbreaks in which pepper was implicated - the most recent being a 2009 outbreak in 5 northwestern states (California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho) in which 90 people were sickened, and 22 hospitalized - the details are outlined below:

On March 27, Oregon State Public Health officials isolated Salmonella Rissen from containers of ground white and black pepper collected from a restaurant where one of the contaminated patients had eaten prior to illness onset.  DNA testing on the samples later confirmed that the salmonella found in the pepper matched the outbreak strain of Salmonella Rissen.  The pepper was manufactured under the Lian How label manufactured by Union International Food Company of Union City, California, and imported from Thailand by Harris & Freeman and Co., of Anaheim, California.

Subsequently, officials discovered that Lian How white pepper was used by several Asian restaurants were patients had reported eating prior to their illness onset.  This included the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada where 10 contaminated persons ate within a five month period.  Testing on white pepper taken from the restaurant revealed another Salmonella Rissen isolate.

The investigation also revealed a cluster of 16 Salmonella Rissen patients that had one thing in common - that they had recently eaten at one of the Northern California Kaiser hospitals.  The California Department of Public Health subsequently received confirmation that the food service that prepared the pre-packaged meals for these hospitals had used Lian How brand white pepper.

The CDPH, FDA, and Union International began testing production surfaces and stored product at the company’s manufacturing plant in Union City.  On April 7, the test results were published and revealed over 50 positive salmonella samples.  Those samples came from numerous locations in the pepper grinding room (grinding machine, platform areas, mixer, funnel, and weighing scales) and also from ground white and black pepper in bulk bins.

As a result of these findings, Union Foods ceased the production and distribution of the contaminated pepper while the FDA and California Department of Public Health continued to investigate the nature and full extent of the outbreak.  The contaminated spices were also recalled by notifying over 2000 retailers and restaurants that received the contaminated products.

Simon & Luke files first salmonella pepper lawsuit

On May 5, Simon & Luke filed the first salmonella pepper lawsuit in the United States country relating to the outbreak.  The suit was filed in Los Angeles County, California on behalf of David Navarrette, a San Pedro resident who consumed food containing the contaminated pepper at the buffet at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.  Shortly thereafter, he became violently ill.  DNA testing has since confirmed that he contracted the exact strain of Salmonella Rissen isolated from Lian How white pepper collected from the restaurant.  Nine other consumers who ate at the restaurant over a five month period also contracted this exact strain of salmonella.

“We are going to determine how this pepper became contaminated to make sure it does not happen again” said attorney Ron Simon, who filed the lawsuit.

Ron Simon and Simon & Luke have since been retained by virtually all of the families who have asserted claims in that outbreak.

Deja Vu All Over Again

The salmonella lawyers are currently investigating the current Salmonella Montevideo outbreak, as well as prosecuting numerous claims in the prior salmonella pepper outbreak.  If you or a loved one have contracted salmonella, call one of our salmonella lawyers toll free at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation on your legal rights.

According to the Oregon State Department of Public Health, Rhode Island-based Daniele brand salami has been identified as the source of the Salmonella Montevideo outbreak that has sickened 184 people in 38 states, including 8 from Oregon and 14 from Washington.  The numbers continue to grow as reports from state health departments continue to track down related cases.  The earliest recognized cases began in July 2009.

The Oregon DPH said in a statement today that the recalled products are widely sold at groceries, warehouse stores and online.  Vendors include Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon and other locations.  Most products are sold under the Daniele brand name, but several items with the Boar’s Head, Black Bear, or Dietz & Watson labels are also included.  All of the recalled products carry a small round USDA mark that says “EST. 54″ or “EST. 9992.”  Safeway, Albertson’s, and Fred Meyer are not part of the recall.

As a result, Daniele, Inc., the Rhode Island manufacturer of the tainted products, has issued a nationwide recall  recall of approximately 1,240,000 pounds of pepper-coated salami products.  State and federal public health agencies are working with the Rhode Island-based company to determine if the pepper coating on the salami, versus the salami itself, is the source of the contamination.

Oregon Salmonella Sleuth Explains How Salami Was Pinpointed as the Source

Dr. William Keene, a senior epidemiologist from the Oregon State Department of Health, has been intimately involved in finding the source of the outbreak.  He described this a “a funny outbreak” because of product involved - salami - which has a long shelf life.  He pointed out that several states have been working together since July 2009 to identifiy a source for these.

“This has been a very long and frustrating investigation,” Keen said.  “We had gone down a lot of dead ends until the puzzle pieces finally started to fit together about this outbreak.”

Public health investigators in Washington state found that many of the state’s 14 residents who got sick shopped at the warehouse retailer Costco, Keene said.  With permission from the patients, Keene said, investigators compared their shopping records.

“There was one product that jumped out,” he said. “That gave us the focus on salami.”

So, Keene said, investigators re-interviewed people who were thought to be part of the outbreak, such as members of a hunting party from the South who had been to the Great Plains and responded to new questions with answers such as, “Now that you mention it, we did stop at a Wal-Mart in South Dakota and buy some salami.”

Daniele, Inc. Continues to Deny Responsibility

Daniele spokesman Jason Maloni told the Associated Press “there’s no evidence that points to us” as the source.

Keene said Saturday that the cause of the sickness was difficult to track and some questions remain, such as whether it was the meat or the pepper that was contaminated.

Maloni said 11 people who got sick ate salami from the Daniele Italian Brand Gourmet Pack, but that Rhode Island and federal officials have not linked the company’s products with the outbreak.

“We’re taking the prudent step in the event that further evidence does point to us,” he said of the recall. “It is our responsibility to take this aggressive step.”

Simon & Luke Accepting Salmonella Cases

The salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke are accepting cases for individuals who tested positive for salmonella after consuming Daniel salami products.  We have handled over 2000 salmonella cases in the past 3 years alone, recovering millions of dollars for our clients.  We currently represent hundreds of individuals nationwide who were affected by the Austin / Keebler peanut butter cracker salmonella outbreak and the Union International Foods pepper salmonella outbreak.

If you or a loved one have contracted salmonella, please call us toll-free at 1-888-335-4901 or email Ron Simon at ron@simonluke.com - we can help.

This evening, in the wake of a massive Salmonella Montevideo outbreak which has sickened 184 persons in 38 states, Daniele, Inc. sent an open letter to consumers who had purchased salmonella-tainted sausage products.  The company has recalled over 1,240,000 pounds of sausage products in the wake of an investigation potentially linking those products to the salmonella outbreak.  Below is the letter:

Dear Valued Customers:

I want to let you know that Daniele, Inc. has voluntarily recalled all of our pepper-coated salame products because of reports that eleven people who ate “Daniele Italian Brand Gourmet Pack” recently became ill.  State and federal health officials have been unable to confirm a direct link between these illnesses and any Daniele product, but a sample did test positive for salmonella bacteria.  Just to be safe, and in full cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and our retail partners, we are removing up to one 1.2 million pounds of our product from store shelves across the country.  A complete list of products being recalled can be found at http://www.DanieleFoods.com/recall.   As you know, as part of our rigorous food safety program, Daniele routinely tests every lot of our products for pathogens. In addition, the USDA conducts independent tests of our products every month.

We are continuing to work with state and federal officials to find out what happened in this case, and we will provide you with further updates as soon as more information is available.
Consumers can return any pepper coated Daniele, Inc. product a full reimbursement.

When my grandfather founded this company in 1945 he built his business on quality products.  Just as you had his commitment then, you have my commitment now that Daniele will continue to work as hard as it can to strengthen our already strict standards for taste, quality and customer satisfaction. Please feel free to contact us at 888-345-4160 if you have any questions and please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this recall may cause.

Best,

Davide Dukcevich, President of Sales Danielle I

I wonder if Daniele, inc. will step up and pay for the medical bills and lost wages of those who became ill from eating tainted sausage?  What do you think?