Trader Joe's Salami Snacks Tied to 20 Salmonella Cases in 8 States

October 26, 2021
Robert Preidt and Robin Foster

Citterio Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks, sold primarily at Trader Joe's, have been linked to a salmonella outbreak with 20 reported cases in eight states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Most of the patients (80%) are younger than 18. Three people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, the agency said in a statement on the outbreak. The outbreak includes residents of California, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.

The actual number of sick people is likely higher than the reported number, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses. That's because some people recover without medical care and aren't tested for salmonella, the CDC explained.

Trader Joe's grocery stores have stopped selling the products. Consumers with the products -- regardless of best-by date or where they were bought -- should throw them away, the CDC said.

Use hot soapy water or use a dishwasher to wash items and surfaces that may have touched the products.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

Contact a health care provider if you have severe symptoms, the CDC advised.

Each year, salmonella causes causes about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths in the United States, the CDC estimates. Earlier this month, the CDC warned consumers about another salmonella outbreak, with fresh onions identified as the source of infections across 37 states.

More information

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more on salmonella.

SOURCE: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CBS News

Food Poisoning Safety: Food Salmonella