Several federal agencies have issued a warning about potentially contaminated grilled meats sold at Costco and Sam's Club.
Dried meat has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that sickened dozens of consumers across the United States, according to an announcement from the USDA.
“Fratelli Beretta Antipasto Gran Beretta brand is sold at Costco in 24 oz. double pack (two 12 oz trays),” according to the USDA.
Busseto's Charcuterie Sampler Brand is sold at Sam's Club in an 18 oz. double pack (two 9 oz trays).
“Any code associated with either product is potentially tainted. The products are no longer available for purchase at Costco and Sam's Club.”
These packages contain salami, prosciutto, coppa, soppressata and dried meats.
They bear facility numbers “EST. 7543B” and/or “EST. #47967” inside the USDA inspection mark or printed on the package, according to the USDA.
According to the announcement, the ministry's Food Safety and Inspection Service is “concerned that some products may be in consumers' refrigerators.” “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase.
The CDC announced that at least 47 consumers in 22 states were sickened by the outbreak, and 10 of them were hospitalized. The first known illness occurred on November 20, 2023 and additional reports were received through January 1.
No deaths were linked to pollution, according to the report.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, with symptoms appearing between 6 hours and 6 days after eating a contaminated substance.
CDC expands warning on grilled meat trays as salmonella cases double https://t.co/bE9efTNlaQ
– Associated Press (@AP) January 19, 2024
Most people recover within 4 to 7 days without treatment, but the disease can be more serious for children under 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The agencies also advised consumers to use hot, soapy water or a dishwasher to wash surfaces and containers that may come into contact with potentially contaminated meat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised consumers to contact their health care providers if they develop any severe symptoms of salmonella, including:
- Diarrhea and fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days without improvement
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so severe that you cannot keep down fluids
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and throat, not urinating often, and feeling dizzy when standing.
The two brands are owned by the same company, according to NPR, which quoted a brand spokesperson as saying they are cooperating with the investigation, “but have nothing to add other than the information in [the USDA’s] Public Health Alert.”
This article originally appeared in The Western Journal.
