Simon & Luke represents more victims of this outbreak than any other law firm.

Two of my clients  - Deanna Narron and William Adams - were interviewed along with me.  To watch the interviews, click below:

Many thanks to Shelley for producing this excellent story and keeping the focus on our food system.

If you or a loved one were sickened by salmonella poisoning due to consumption of Austin or Keebler peanut butter crackers, it is not too late to assert your rights.  Just give the salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke a call toll free at 1-888-335-4901.  We will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The cheeses are sold at Queseria Bendita’s retail store and were distributed in Washington and Oregon, where they are sold in Hispanic markets.

The Queso Fresco is packaged in one- and three-pound vacuum packed wheels; the Panela is vacuum packed in one- and three- pound sizes; and the Requeson is packed in eight-ounce and one- pound clear plastic tubs.  Each cheese has a green label identifying the type of cheese, the Queseria Bendita brand name, and a date code up to and including “Apr 30 2010″.

To date there is one confirmed illness in this Washington listeria outbreak related to the recalled products. Other illnesses in Washington and Oregon may also be related.  Testing by public health officials revealed the contamination of the product with Listeria monocytogenes.

The company has ceased production and distribution of the product while the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the firm investigate the source of the problem.

The earlier recall of over 1,260,000 pounds is being expanded due to finding of Salmonella in an unopened salami product tested by FSIS, and by ingredient testing performed by Daniele.  The product was sampled during the course of an ongoing investigation of a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Senftenberg illnesses tied to Daniele black pepper coated salami / sausage products which has so far sickened over 230 people in 44 states and the District of Columbia. 

The products recalled today were not subject to the previous recall because they did not contain black pepper.  Based on preliminary testing results, the company believes that crushed red pepper may be the source of Salmonella contamination on the newly recalled products. 

The products subject to toady’s recall include:

• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE HOT SALAME PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA.”
• 8-ounce packages of “BOAR’S HEAD SALAME PANINO, SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN STYLE SALAME PANINO, HOT SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• Random weight packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN STYLE SALAME PANINO, HOT SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION HOT SALAME PANINO, HOT SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE SALAME PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL.”
• 1-pound 8-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE CAPOCOLLO PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL; PRESIDENT’S PROSCIUTTO PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL; HOT SALAME PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA,” with UPC Code 736436709582. NOTE: The products contained in this variety three-pack may be sold individually as well.

Each package bears a label with establishment number “EST. 459” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The above products are sold individually packed, except as noted above.  The products subject to recall have sell-by dates ranging from February 3, 2010, through May 26, 2010, and 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.

How many people are sick?

Currently, a total of 230 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 44 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 (7), CA (30), CO (5), CT (5), DC (1), DE (3), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (15), IN (3), KS (4), LA (1), MA (13), MD (1), ME (1), MI (4), MN (5), MO (2), MS (1), NC (10), ND (1), NE (1), NH (2), NJ (8), NM (2), NY (18), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (7), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (5), TX (7), UT (9), VA (1), WA (17), WI (1), WV (1), and WY (2).

Salmonella Senftenberg, a different serotype of Salmonella, has also been found in food samples from retail and a patient household during this outbreak investigation. PulseNet identified 5 persons who had illness caused by Salmonella Senftenberg with matching PFGE patterns between July 1, 2009 and today.  Public health officials have interviewed 4 of the 5 ill persons with this strain of Salmonella Senftenberg and determined that one consumed a recalled salami product during the week before their illness began.  These five cases are not included in the overall case count reported above.

Illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 24, 2010.  The ages of infected individuals range from < 1 year old to 93 years old.  Fifty-three percent of patients are male.  No deaths have been reported to date.

It is important to note, however, that for every confirmed case above, the CDC recognizes that there are roughly 30 more people who are never counted due to lack of testing, failure to go to a doctor, misdiagnosis, or other reasons.

That means that as of right now, as many as 7000 people have become ill as a result of this outbreak!

Which states have the largest number of illnesses?

The largest concentrations of illnesses fall in California (30), New York (18), Washington (17), Illinois (15), Massachusetts (13), and North Carolina (10).

What food is the source of the outbreak?

Pepper coated salami and sausage products manufactured by Daniele international, Inc.

On January 31, 2010,  Daniele International Inc., a Rhode-Island based company, recalled approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of Italian sausage products (including salame/salami) due to salmonella contamination.

On January 31, 2010, Daniele International Inc. expanded its recall to include more ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage products, including:

• 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.

These products were distributed to retail establishments nationwide ( PDF – 191 KB).

On February 4, 2010, Daniele recalled two additional salame/salami products:

• 3-ounce packages of “DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
• Approximately 6-pound packages of “DANIELE SALAME GRANDE COATED WITH PORK FAT & PEPPER.”

This announcement added approximately 23,754 pounds to the initial recall.  These products can have an extended shelf life of up to one year.

Daniele International, Inc. (”Daniele”) has now halted production of all salami products.

How did the salami / sausage become contaminated?

State laboratories have been working to find out exactly how the products became contaminated - and it looks like they have found the cause - the pepper coating on the salami / sausage.

Since the recall, numerous samples of Daniele pepper-coated salami products taken from the homes of ill patients have tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo, along with another strain of salmonella - Salmonella Senftenberg.  These samples were tested by health departments in Washington, Iowa, and Illinois.

Recent test results provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed that an opened container of ground 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.  To read this article, click here.

The US Food & Drug Administration (”FDA”) is now investigating the two companies who sold the pepper to Daniele: Wholesome Spice of New York, and Mincing Overseas Spice Company in New Jersey.  The Agency has collected and is currently analyzing black pepper samples from both companies.

How common are the Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Senftenberg serotypes?

There are over 2500 different known types - or more accurately - serotypes of salmonella.   Three of those serotypes - Typhimurium, Enteriditis, and Newport - account for almost half of all reported illnesses.

Salmonella Montevideo is the 7th most common serotype, accounting for approximately 2% of all salmonella illnesses.  Salmonella Senftenberg is not in the top 30 most occurring serotypes, and accounts for far less than 1% of all salmonella illnesses.

I became sick after eating the recalled products - Do I have a case?

Persons who tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo and Salmonella Senftenberg have been or will be contacted by their county or state health departments and questioned about the foods they ate prior to becoming ill.

If you tested positive for salmonella, and were contacted by your county or state health department and questioned about the consumption of salami and sausage products, then it is highly likely that you are one of persons sickened in this national outbreak.  If so, you are entitled to compensation for all of your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering you endured.

Simon & Luke Can Help

The salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke have represented over 2000 victims of food poisoning, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.  We currently represent several families sickened by this outbreak, and we are happy to answer your questions free of charge.

Just call us toll-free at 1-888-335-4901 - we are here to help.

The illnesses have been linked to salami / sausage products produced by Daniele International, Inc.

Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 4, 2009 and January 24, 2010.  Infected individuals range in age from < 1 year old to 93 years old and the median age is 39 years. Fifty-two percent of patients are male.  Among the 162 patients with available information, 42 (26%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

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 -

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.

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.

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.