Love a Good Charcuterie Board? CDC Now Recommends Heating Italian Meats Due to Salmonella Outbreak
The CDC is investigating two Salmonella outbreaks linked with Italian-style meats. In both outbreaks, people reported eating salami, prosciutto, and similar meats that are often found in antipasto or charcuterie assortments. Investigators are working to identify the contaminated products and determine if the two outbreaks are in any way linked.
Until they can identify which meats are making people sick, the CDC is recommending that high-risk individuals heat all Italian-style meats to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating. A high-risk individual would be anyone under age 5 or over age 65, or anyone with a health condition or taking a medication that lowers the body’s ability to fight infection.
At least 36 people have contracted salmonella after eating the contaminated meats, and 12 of them became sick enough to require hospitalization. Illnesses have been reported in 17 states.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days, but high-risk patients may experience more severe illnesses that require treatment or hospitalization.
If you experience severe salmonella symptoms like persistent diarrhea or vomiting to the point of dehydration, please call a healthcare provider immediately. For more information on salmonella and these recent outbreaks, you can read more about the CDC’s investigation here.
Stay safe with all the latest consumer alerts and product recalls!
(Thanks, Benjamin!)
Thank you for the heads up. Heat would pretty much ruin many of these meats. Hopefully they can get this under control and no more people get sick.
You’re welcome, Robyn!
Say Whaaaa??
OK so NOT all Italian-style meats. This outbreak is linked to a specific brand – Fratelli Beretta. Carry on with your charcuterie-ing as long as its not this brand.
I ONCE tried to heat salami. Lesson learned! YUCK! That’s a big no in my book!
I like prosciutto wrapped around asparagus and roasted, as a fancy appetizer.
Seems like the CDC is taking away our freedoms! #sarcasm
Lol
lol