Federal health officials are expanding their warning about a salmonella outbreak linked to charcuterie meat snack trays sold at Sam's Club and Costco stores. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised retailers and consumers not to eat, serve, or sell any lots of Busseto brand and Fratelli Beretta brand meats. This warning comes after at least 47 people in 22 states have fallen ill, with 10 individuals requiring hospitalization.

The CDC initially issued a warning on January 5th regarding a recalled lot of Busseto brand charcuterie sampler trays. However, they have now broadened their caution to include all lots of the product. The affected items include the Busseto charcuterie sampler sold at Sam's Club and the Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta products sold at Costco. These meat trays are sold in twin packs that contain prosciutto, sweet soppressata, and dry coppa or black pepper-coated dry salami, Italian dry salami, dry coppa, and prosciutto.

Salmonella poisoning can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, the bacterial infection can be fatal. Symptoms of severe salmonella poisoning include diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting leading to an inability to keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration such as decreased urination, dry mouth, and dizziness upon standing.

The CDC has also provided guidelines for consumers who may have purchased these contaminated products. In addition to not consuming the items, individuals are advised to dispose of them and thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the affected products. This can be done using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

The investigation into this multi-state salmonella outbreak is ongoing, and the CDC's investigators are working to determine if any additional products may be contaminated. As of now, 47 cases have been reported in 22 states, with Ohio having the highest number of infections. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and urges anyone experiencing severe symptoms to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

It is crucial for consumers to take these warnings seriously and exercise caution when purchasing and consuming charcuterie meat products. By following the CDC's guidelines and staying informed about product recalls, individuals can protect themselves and their families from potential foodborne illnesses.