Health Law

FDA Releases Update on Salmonella, Black Pepper, Salami

By David Babcock

The FDA posted an update on the outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo related to salami and black pepper today, February 4, 2010.

The update includes the newest CDC statistics on the outbreak:   207 people have been infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo in at least 42 states and the District of Columbia.

In addition, the FDA update contains a link to the analysis of the empidemiologic study that links these illnesses to salami produced by Daniele International Inc, as well as a link to the list of recalled products.

The FDA provided some detail about positive Salmonella testing in the  black pepper incorporated in Daniele's product:  

Recent samples of black pepper collected by the Rhode Island Department of Health at Daniele International Inc. tested positive for Salmonella. One sample from an open container matched the outbreak strain. 

The FDA is apparently still trying to determine whether black pepper "poses a risk to consumers:"

The FDA is actively investigating the supply chain of the black pepper used in the manufacturing of the recalled meat products to see if it poses a risk to consumers...If FDA identifies a public health risk associated with black pepper, or any other product, the Agency will take the appropriate action necessary to protect the public's health.

Finally, the FDA closed by urging customers to make sure their homes were free of the recalled products, which have a shelf life of one year.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on February 04, 2010 (boomark / email).