Update on Salmonella Tainted Sausage

ATLANTAThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a total of 217 individuals from 44 states and District of Columbia have been infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo since July 1, 2009. The source of the contamination has been traced to ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage and salami manufactured by Daniele International, Inc., a Mapleville, R.I., firm.

The company voluntarily recalled more than 1 million pounds of sausage products last month. Product subject to the expanded recall may have been cross-contaminated with black pepper before it was packed. The company believes that black pepper is a possible source of Salmonella contamination.