Salami link to Swedish Salmonella illnesses
Since the end of August, 30 cases of the same Salmonella type (Typhimurium MLVA 3-19-11-N-311) have been reported to Folkhälsomyndigheten (Public Health Agency of Sweden) from several counties.
The outbreak involving the unusual Salmonella type is also being investigated by Livsmedelsverket (National Food Agency).
Folkhälsomyndigheten and Statens veterinärmedicinska anstalt (SVA) said the profile had never been seen before in Sweden.
So far 18 of the 30 confirmed cases have been interviewed and 17 said they ate the salami which came from Spain.
Salmonella not found in products
Di Luca & Di Luca told us that so far analyses have not identified any Salmonella in the products.
“Work is going on identifying and collecting product samples. Products are continuously being sent for analyses by a third party accredited laboratory. This work is being done both by us and by the Swedish authorities,” said the company.
“Further investigations continue in cooperation with the Swedish authorities, the producer and the Spanish authorities.”
Investigations have not yet determined when and where contamination occurred.
Folkhälsomyndigheten said some cases have been hospitalized and others had very mild symptoms, so it was difficult to say if it is more virulent than other Salmonella strains.
Infected people are between three and 74 years of age and there are more men than women.
Between six and nine of the confirmed cases have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported.
Confirmed cases have fallen ill from August 30 to September 11 and are in mostly in Stockholm, Västra Götaland and Skåne.
Folkhälsomyndigheten said additional cases may be reported because the salami has a long shelf life and can remain with customers not reached by the withdrawal notice.
Recall as supplier investigates possible causes
Suspicion of Salmonella led to Di Luca & Di Luca recalling Zeta Fuet and Rökt Fuet 170g of the Zeta brand.
All batch numbers and best before dates have been recalled from Ica, Coop and Bergendahls stores.
Products were distributed directly from the producer in Spain to Swedish retail customers’ warehouses.
Di Luca & Di Luca said it will not distribute any new products until the situation has been clarified.
“For the time being our efforts are focusing on investigating where the Salmonella bacteria come from. If confirmed we must understand how it could have happened as all batches are being controlled before they are distributed,” said the firm.
“Our supplier is putting all their efforts on investigating possible causes. They are handling the situation very seriously and are conducting all possible actions to identify possibly sources.
“We feel safe with how their investigation work is progressing and we are working closely together to make sure the situation is going forward in the best possible way.”
