Charcuterie Meats Carried at Sam's Club Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

There are plenty of foods to indulge in while pregnant, but there’s also a short list of foods to avoid. From raw fish to deli meat, these food items are prone to harbor some potentially nasty bacteria that could be harmful to you and baby. One such off-limits item? Charcuterie meats.

While charcuterie meats are typically nixed as they carry a risk of listeria—specific charcuterie meats sold at Sam’s Club have recently been linked to a salmonella outbreak, according to the CDC. Here’s what you need to know.

What caused the salmonella outbreak?

Image: CDC

The outbreak, which has spread through 14 states now, has sickened 24 and sent five people to the hospital. The CDC has identified salmonella in an unopened sample of “Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler Prosciutto, Sweet Soppressata, and Dry Coppa” sold at Sam’s Clubs in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas.

While testing is being conducted to determine if the Salmonella in the sample is the outbreak strain. Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., the maker of the Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler, has recalled approximately 11,097 pounds of the ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products.

Why should I be concerned?

Pregnant people are more likely to contract severe illness from salmonella than non-pregnant people due to their weakened immune systems. According to the National Institutes of Health, while not common, salmonella can also increase the chance of complications during pregnancy, depending on the severity of the infection. In some cases, it can increase the chance for preterm delivery and restrict the growth of the fetus.

According to the CDC, once contracted, symptoms from salmonella usually start within six hours to six days. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Some severe but often uncommon salmonella strains can sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints or the nervous system, and can cause life-threatening issues.

How do I protect myself?

You can see the specific meats that are a part of the recall and how to identify them at FSIS.USDA.gov/recalls. Those with affected items are advised to throw out the items and clean any surfaces they may have come in contact with.

The easiest way to protect yourself from the salmonella outbreak is to avoid eating raw deli meats or recalled charcuterie meats in general. To avoid catching foodborne illnesses, the American Pregnancy Association recommends cooking whole cuts of meat to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to learn more about the outbreak and see if your state has been affected, visit CDC.gov.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.