Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Rea brand Genoa salami and Bona brand Genova salami

OTTAWA, ON, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - 

At a glance
Do not consume, use, sell, serve or distribute recalled: Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet (Lots: 5035 226 and 5049 226) Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot (Lots: 5020 228 and 5035 228)  Bona brand Mild Genova Salami (Lot: 5035 226) These products may have been used in prepared products like sandwiches or sold at deli counters.
Illnesses	57
Provinces and  territories with illnesses (number of illnesses)	Alberta (44) Ontario (13)
Hospitalizations	7
Deaths	0
Gender	61% male
Age range	1 to over 100
Food Recall	Yes Rea brand Genoa Salami and Bona brand Genova Salami recalled due to Salmonella
Investigation status	Active

Recalled food

A food recall warning has been issued for:

• Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet (Lots: 5035 226 and 5049 226)
• Rea brand Genoa Salami Hot (Lots: 5020 228 and 5035 228)
• Bona brand Mild Genova Salami (Lot: 5035 226)

These products were distributed to:

• Grocery stores
• Specialty markets
• Restaurants and cafes, delis, and butcher shops

These products may have been used and sold in prepared products like sandwiches or at deli counters.

For more information on the recalled products, please consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recall notice on the Government of Canada Recalls and Safety Alerts website. 

How to protect your health 

Salmonellosis is a foodborne bacterial illness that can affect anyone exposed to a contaminated food product, including the recalled product. 

People who are infected with Salmonella bacteria can spread Salmonella to other people several days to several weeks after they have become infected, even if they don't have symptoms. 

The following advice applies to individuals, as well as retailers, distributors and food service establishments such as specialty markets, delis, and cafes across Canada:

• Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home or establishment by looking for the specific product name and size, UPC and codes in the recall alert.
• Do not consume, serve, use, sell or distribute recalled products or any product made with them.
• Throw out or return recalled products to the location where they were purchased. Consumers or establishments who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact their retailer or supplier where the products were purchased.
• Consumers who have purchased a prepared sandwich containing salami and are unsure if it contains recalled products are advised to contact the retailer where the sandwich was purchased.
• Do not cook food for other people if you've been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection or any other gastrointestinal illness.
• Contact your health care provider if you think you're experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection.

Most people who become ill from a Salmonella infection will recover fully after a few days without treatment, but it can also cause severe illness and hospitalization.

The Salmonella strain associated with this outbreak investigation is multi drug-resistant, which means it's resistant to certain antibiotics (streptomycin, kanamycin, ampicillin, and sulfisoxazole). Other antibiotics are available to treat illnesses associated with this outbreak strain, if antibiotic treatment is considered necessary.

Those at higher risk for serious illness include:

• older adults
• young children
• people who are pregnant
• people with weakened immune systems

Symptoms 

Salmonellosis has a wide range of symptoms. You may not get sick at all. However, if you do get sick, symptoms usually start within 6 to 72 hours after exposure.

You may experience:

• chills
• a fever
• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach cramps
• a sudden headache

Most symptoms end within 4 to 7 days.

While most people recover completely on their own, some people may have a more serious illness that:

• requires hospital care
• may lead to long-lasting health effects or death

Salmonellosis (Salmonella)
Food safety for vulnerable populations 

Investigation summary 

There are 57 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- illness linked to this outbreak in: 

• Alberta (44)
• Ontario (13)

People became sick between mid-April and late May 2025. Of the cases reported, 7 people have been hospitalized and there have been no deaths. Many people who became sick reported eating salami in prepared sandwiches or purchased from deli counters where the recalled product was served.

People who became sick are between 1 and over 100 years of age.

More recent illnesses may continue to be reported in the outbreak because there is a period between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported to public health officials. For this outbreak, the illness reporting period is between 11 and 45 days. 

This outbreak may not be limited to the provinces or territories with known illnesses. The recalled product was distributed to:

• Alberta
• Ontario
• Manitoba

Related links 

• Rea brand Genoa Salami and Bona brand Genova Salami recalled due to Salmonella
• Risks of salmonellosis (Salmonella)
• Safe food handling practices
• Email subscription service for Public Health Notices
• Recall subscription service

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

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