PASCOAG, R.I. -- Daniele Inc. initiated a voluntary recall of 1.24 million pounds of its Pepper Coated Salame products because of possible concerns about salmonella, but not before more than 180 people in 40 states reported getting ill after eating the products and at least one lawsuit was filed.
Late last week, Daniele's Rhode Island facilities were inspected by the state's Department of Health, and the company was found to be meeting all regulatory and food safety standards. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Daniele Inc. has been working diligently with the department and U.S. Department of Agriculture to help identify the source of the contamination.
State and federal health officials have been unable to confirm a direct link between the illnesses and any Daniele product.
"Our family business has been producing premium gourmet products for over 60 years," said vice president of sales Davide Dukcevich. "While we conduct further tests, our goal right now is to take prudent, proactive measures to do everything possible to remove any products that do not meet our high standards for quality and taste."
The recall includes the following Daniele products/UPCs:
Daniele All Natural Salame "Coated with Coarse Black Pepper) (10oz) 736436003802
Boar's Head All Natural Salame (Coated with Coarse Black Pepper) (8oz) 042421160758
Black Bear Baby Genoa Pepper Salame (9oz) 630003950226
These products are carried at a wide variety of delicatessens and grocers. Consumers or food distributors with any questions are asked to call (888) 345‐4160.
At least one lawsuit was filed in the Daniele International Inc. recall of sausage products, according to a report from Food Safety News. The claim was filed on behalf of an Illinois family by Marler Clark, a Seattle-based food safety law firm, and by Gary Newman of the Illinois firm Newland, Newland, & Newland.
In late December, Jason and Molly Keppler purchased Daniele pepper-coated salami at a Costco in Lake Zurich, Ill. A few days after eating the now-recalled product, Molly began to suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms, according to the report. Although she did not require hospitalization, her 3-month-old son fell ill several days later with similar symptoms and was hospitalized.
As of Jan. 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had identified at least 189 people in 40 states who it believes have been sickened with Salmonella Montevideo as a result of possibly consuming Daniele's products, according to the Food Safety News Report. Among the persons with reported dates available, illnesses began between July 4, 2009, and Jan. 7, 2010.
Daniele Inc., Pascoag, R.I., produces Italian-style specialty foods for U.S. and international markets. The company is best known for its cured meats such as salame, prosciutto and pancetta carried by high-end delis and supermarkets.
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"Our family business has been producing premium gourmet products for over 60 years," said vice president of sales Davide Dukcevich. "While we conduct further tests, our goal right now is to take prudent, proactive measures to do everything possible to remove any products that do not meet our high standards for quality and taste."