An outbreak of Salmonella infections traced to deli meats in Canada has grown to include 88 patients.
The Publich Health Agency of Canada reports that nine of the patients have been so sick that they have required hospitalization.
The 88 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella were reported in B.C. with one infection, Alberta with 69, Manitoba with one and Ontario with 17. People became sick between mid-April and early July 2025, so additional patients are likely to be identified.
“Many people who became sick reported eating salami in prepared sandwiches or purchased from deli counters where the recalled products were served,” states according to the public health agency.
The Salmonella outbreak has triggered a recall of more than 65 meats from various brands that may have been used to prepare sandwiches or sold at deli counters. Also, the recalled products may not be limited to the provinces with reported Salmonella cases, as recalled products were distributed to Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
As of Aug. 1, the Salmonella-triggered recalls include:
Rea brand Genoa Salami and Bona brand Genova Salami
Rea brand Soppressata Salami Sweet
Various brands of Salami and Cacciatore
Soppressata Hot and Genoa Salami.
Public health officials are urging consumers who have the recalled products in their home to not eat them.
“Consumers who have purchased a prepared sandwich containing salami and are unsure if it contains recalled products are advised to contact the retailer where the sandwich was purchased,” the public health department says.
As the investigation continues, the department says more recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because of the period between when a person becomes sick and when it’s reported to public health officials.
“For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 11 and 45 days,: according to the public health officials.
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.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products 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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