Popular salami recalled in Canada after several ill, hospitalized
If you love your deli meats, you may want to check your fridge for any Genova or Genoa Salami brands.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall on Tuesday for Rea brand Genoa Salami and Bona Brand Genova Salami due to salmonella.
The affected products were distributed in Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba at grocery stores, specialty markets, restaurants, cafes, delis, and butcher shops.
“This recall was triggered by findings by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency during its investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak,” reads the notice. “There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.”
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 57 illnesses have been reported due to this outbreak, with 44 cases in Alberta and 13 in Ontario. Seven people have been hospitalized.
The affected products include the following brands and flavours:
- Bona Mild Genova Salami
- Rea Genoa Salami Sweet
- Rea Genoa Salami Hot
CFIA
“Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled, but can still make you sick,” stated the notice. “Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections.”
It added that healthy people could experience short-term symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Long-term symptoms may include arthritis.
The CFIA advises Canadians to do the following:
- Check to see if you have recalled products. You can check the CFIA recall notice for the products’ UPC codes
- If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
- Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
- Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the affected product are advised to contact their retailer
The agency says it is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to a recall of more products. It’s also verifying that the brands are removing recalled products from the marketplace.