February 19, 2010

US firm expands meat recall on national salmonella outbreak

Daniele International Inc. has expanded a voluntary recall to 20 products as public health officials continue to investigate a multi-state salmonella outbreak that includes one confirmed case in Louisiana.

The Rhode Island-based meat processor first launched a recall of meat products that contained black pepper on the casings after the company identified the pepper as a potential source of salmonella. However, more recent tests confirmed salmonella in an unopened salami product that does not contain the originally suspected pepper.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and several state health and agriculture departments are continuing testing of products across the nation.

Authorities stressed that they have yet to settle on a root cause for the salmonella serotype Montevideo outbreak, adding the possibility of some cases not part of the national outbreak which may eventually be linked to a specific source.

The FSIS named Kroger food stores in Louisiana and all Wal-Mart stores among the retailers that received products on Daniele's recall list.