A new variety of deli meat is being recalled in Canada as health officials track a salmonella outbreak that's now made at least 86 people sick — and counting.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) just issued a new salami recall, and the affected meat has already been distributed to multiple provinces, including Quebec — a province not included in the first wave of recalls — expanding the areas potentially affected by the outbreak.
The latest food recall in Canada affects a variety of Rea-brand soppressata salami, which is being pulled from store shelves in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec due to possible salmonella contamination.
This new addition to the product recall list is part of a growing outbreak tied to contaminated meat — including a previous salami recall — that continues to spread across the country.
The CFIA says the recalled soppressata salami was sold in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and may have been sliced or used in prepared foods like deli sandwiches — making it hard to trace if you picked some up recently.
Rea-brand Soppressata Salami Sweet is the latest salami being recalled in connection to a salmonella outbreak in Canada.Canadian Food Inspection Agency
In a public health notice updated on Tuesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says that most of the people who got sick reported eating deli meats before falling ill. A number of these cases involved sandwiches and meats served at cafes, butcher shops and grocery store counters.
PHAC confirms that this outbreak is linked to several Rea- and Bona-brand salami products that were recalled earlier this summer, with new products added as the investigation continues.
So far, 67 of the reported cases are in Alberta, with the rest spread out across Ontario (17), Manitoba (1) and one travel-related illness in B.C.
Nine people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. The affected individuals range in age from infants to seniors over 100 years old.
Here's the full list of products that have now been recalled in Canada due to this outbreak:
- Bona-brand Mild Genova Salami (lot code: 5035 226)
- Rea-brand Genoa Salami Sweet (lot codes: 5035 226 and 5049 226)
- Rea-brand Genoa Salami Hot (lot codes: 5020 228 and 5035 228)
- NEW — Rea-brand Soppressata Salami Sweet (lot code: 5050 224)
Rea- and Bona-brand salami recalled in the first wave back in June.Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The outbreak was first flagged by PHAC in mid-June, after 57 confirmed cases and seven hospitalizations had already been reported. That tally had jumped to 72 by late June, and in an update last week, the number of illnesses had climbed to 84.
Health officials say the contamination may have started as far back as April, with new infections still being reported due to delays in testing and confirmation. That means more cases could still emerge in the coming days and weeks.
Salmonella symptoms usually show up within 6 to 72 hours of exposure. Most people recover on their own, but the illness can cause fever, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps. Those at higher risk — like young children, older adults, pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals — could experience more severe symptoms that require medical care.
According to PHAC, this particular strain of salmonella is resistant to several common antibiotics, including ampicillin and streptomycin, which could complicate treatment in some cases. The federal agency says other antibiotics are still effective if needed.
Meanwhile, the CFIA is continuing its investigation and may expand the recall further. In the meantime, anyone who thinks they may have bought or consumed a recalled salami — especially in a sandwich or deli order — is advised to check with the retailer or throw it out just to be safe.
If you're feeling sick and think it might be linked to one of these recalled meats, contact your health care provider right away.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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