Meat samplers sold at Sam’s Club linked to illness from Salmonella contamination

Public health officials in Minnesota are warning the public to not eat Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler that contain prosciutto, sweet sopressata, and dry coppa because of Salmonella contamination.

The implicated sampler products were sold at Sam’s Club locations. The investigation is ongoing. No photos of the implicated products were available at the time of the posting of the public warning.

“One Minnesotan reported becoming ill in December after consuming a Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler purchased at Sam’s Club. The person was not hospitalized. Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff collected and tested an unopened package of Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from the person’s home. The product tested positive for Salmonella,” according to the public warning.

There is concern that consumers may still have the product in their homes because of its long shelf life.

Health officials recommend not eating any Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from LOT number L075330300 with the expiration date of April 27, 2024. It is not yet known which of the individual components of the sampler may have been the source of contamination or whether similar products are affected.

Since many cases of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) do not seek health care and get tested, the number of ill people is likely to be larger than the identified case, according to the warning. 

Approximately 1,000 Salmonella infections are reported each year in Minnesota. More information on Salmonella and how to prevent it can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website at Salmonellosis (Salmonella).

About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any implicated product and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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