Canada: In a sweeping public safety measure, Health Canada has announced a major recall of more than 60 salami and cacciatore products distributed across six provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
The affected products, distributed under multiple brand names, have been linked to a potential salmonella contamination, prompting urgent calls for consumers to dispose of the products or return them to their point of purchase.
Brands Involved in the Recall
The following brands have been identified as carrying potentially contaminated salami and deli meats:
- Bona
- Cosmo’s Smoked Meats
- Imperial Meats
- Longos
- Luc’s European Meats Cheese & Eats
- Marini Salumi
- Naturissimo
- P & E Foods
- Rea
- Speziale Fine Foods
- Superior Meats
- T.J. Meats
- Vince’s Cured Meats Corp.
A complete list of affected products, including product names and package codes, is available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) website.
What Should Consumers Do?
Health Canada urges consumers to not consume, serve, sell, or distribute any of the recalled products. If you have purchased any of the items listed under the recall:
- Dispose of the products immediately
- Or return them to the place of purchase for a refund
- Do not rely on appearance or smell — contaminated products may not show visible signs of spoilage
Confirmed Cases and Hospitalizations
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the recall follows a growing outbreak of salmonella linked to deli meats. Since April, 87 individuals have been reported ill, with nine hospitalizations so far.
The regional breakdown of cases includes:
- British Columbia: 1 case
- Alberta: 67 cases
- Manitoba: 1 case
- Ontario: 17 cases
Specific products tied to these illnesses include:
- Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet
- Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot
- Bona brand Mild Genova Salami
- Rea’s Sweet Soppressata Salami
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes foodborne illness. According to Health Canada, common short-term symptoms of salmonella infection include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
While many people recover without medical treatment, certain groups are at a higher risk for severe and sometimes deadly infections, including:
- Young children
- Pregnant individuals
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
Long-term complications may include reactive arthritis, even after initial symptoms resolve.
Growing Concern Around Food Safety
The recent outbreak adds to a series of high-profile food recalls in Canada, involving E. coli, Listeria, and now salmonella. According to Dr. Lawrence Goodridge, director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph, the increase in public awareness and better surveillance may contribute to the growing number of reported recalls.
“While the number of recalls isn’t necessarily increasing, the disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic has had lingering effects on food safety processes,” said Dr. Goodridge.
Stay Updated and Stay Safe
Consumers are strongly encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking the Government of Canada’s Recalls and Safety Alerts page. If you suspect you’ve consumed contaminated deli meat and are experiencing symptoms, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
The CFIA continues to monitor the situation and may expand the recall if further contaminated products are discovered.