7 Hospitalized in Ontario, Alberta After Consuming Salami Recalled Over Salmonella Risk

Rea brand Genoa salami and Bona brand Genova salami have been recalled due to a salmonella outbreak. Public Health Agency of Canada handout photo

A salmonella outbreak in Ontario and Alberta that has led to the hospitalization of seven people has been linked to the recall of three varieties of salami products available in both provinces, Canada’s public health agency says.

A total of 57 laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonella have been associated with the outbreak, including 13 confirmed cases in Ontario and 44 confirmed cases in Alberta, the health agency said in a public notice.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) this week recalled three types of salami sold and distributed in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall was triggered during a CFIA investigation into a “foodborne illness outbreak,” the agency said.

“Many people who became sick reported eating salami in prepared sandwiches or purchased from deli counters where the recalled product was served,” the public health agency said in its notice. “More recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak.”

People fell ill between mid-April and late May and a recall for Bona’s Mild Genova Salami and Rea’s Genoa Salami Sweet and Genoa Salami hot was issued on June 10. The lot numbers for the impacted products can be found here.

​​The illness reporting period for this outbreak is between 11 and 45 days, the agency said.

The CFIA recall notice advises customers against consuming, using, selling, serving, or distributing the recalled products. All recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased, the notice said.

Food Poisoning

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, one of the most common varieties of food poisoning. It can result in numerous symptoms including chills, diarrhea, fever, nausea, stomach cramps, sudden headache, and vomiting, according to the Health Canada website.

Not all individuals exposed to salmonella will show symptoms, but those who do are likely to experience side effects within a span of six to 72 hours, the agency says.

Symptoms generally subside within four to seven days and seldom require medical attention. In more serious cases, patients may require prescription drugs and intravenous fluids to fully recover.

The elderly, infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing severe reactions to salmonellosis.

“While most people recover completely on their own, some people may have a more serious illness that requires hospital care and may lead to long-lasting health effects or death,” Health Canada says. “Long-term complications may include severe arthritis.”

Individuals who are infected with the bacteria may remain contagious for several days to several weeks after the initial infection, regardless of whether they show any symptoms. It is spread through person-to-person contact and by touching contaminated surfaces.

Health Canada recommends frequent hand washing and keeping food preparation areas clean.