Salmonella outbreak linked to Rea Genoa salami and Bona Genova salami

Canada

####Update September 16th, 2025:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed that the outbreak investigation is now closed. A total of 90 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported across British Columbia (1), Alberta (69), Manitoba (1), and Ontario (19). Ten individuals were hospitalized and no deaths occurred.

More than 65 salami and cacciatore products from multiple brands were recalled during this investigation. People became sick between mid-April and early August 2025, with many reporting consumption of salami purchased from deli counters or eaten in prepared sandwiches.

Health officials have concluded that the outbreak is over but continue to advise consumers to verify that they do not have any recalled products in their homes.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update August 1st, 2025:
The outbreak investigation has expanded to 88 confirmed Salmonella cases, including 69 in Alberta, 17 in Ontario, 1 in Manitoba, and 1 in British Columbia (related to travel). Nine people have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported. These products were distributed in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, and may have been used in prepared foods such as sandwiches or sold at deli counters.

Health officials report that over 65 salami and cacciatore products have now been recalled, including additional brands beyond Rea and Bona.

People became ill between mid-April and early July 2025, with cases ranging in age from 1 to over 100 years old. The investigation remains active, and more cases may still be reported due to the 11–45 day illness reporting lag.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Updated July 20th, 2025:
The Salmonella outbreak has been linked to various brands of salami and cacciatore products, affecting 87 individuals across Canada, primarily in Alberta, with 68 people affected, followed by Ontario with 17 people sick, and Alberta and Manitoba, with 1 person each. These products were distributed to Grocery stores, Specialty markets, restaurants, cafés, delis, and butcher shops in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. No deaths have been reported, but nine individuals have been hospitalized.

The outbreak involves products from companies such as:

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.

The outbreak, which began between mid-April and late June 2025, has been traced to contaminated salami products that were sold in grocery stores, specialty markets, and used in prepared foods like sandwiches. The affected products have been recalled, and public health officials are actively investigating the situation. The strain of Salmonella involved is multidrug-resistant, complicating treatment options.

The problem was discovered through a food safety investigation that identified the presence of Salmonella in the recalled products. Many of those who fell ill reported consuming salami from deli counters or in prepared sandwiches. The investigation is ongoing, and further cases may be reported due to the time lag between illness onset and reporting. Public health notices are being updated as new information becomes available.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update July 15th, 2025:
The outbreak investigation linked to Rea and Bona brand salami products has now grown to 86 confirmed cases, including 17 in Ontario, 1 in Manitoba, 67 in Alberta, and 1 in British Columbia (related to travel). A total of 9 people have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported.

Additionally, Rea brand Soppressata Salami Sweet (Lot code: 5050 224) has been added to the recall list, alongside the previously recalled salami products. The Soppressata was distributed in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.

Health officials also confirmed that the Salmonella strain involved is multi drug-resistant, showing resistance to antibiotics including streptomycin, kanamycin, ampicillin, and sulfisoxazole.

The recalled products were distributed not only to grocery stores but also to restaurants, cafes, delis, butcher shops, and may have been used in prepared foods such as sandwiches. Consumers are advised to check with retailers if unsure whether a product or prepared food item contains any of the recalled salami.

The investigation remains active, and more cases may still be reported due to the typical 11 to 45-day reporting delay.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update July 10th, 2025:
The Salmonella outbreak linked to Rea brand Genoa salami and Bona brand Genova salami has expanded to 84 confirmed cases across British Columbia (1), Alberta (67), Manitoba (1), and Ontario (15). Nine individuals have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The case in British Columbia is related to travel to Alberta.

The investigation remains active, and more cases may still be reported due to the reporting lag period of 11 to 45 days.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


Update June 24th, 2025:
The outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Rea brand Genoa salami and Bona brand Genova salami has grown, with 72 confirmed cases now reported across Alberta (57), Ontario (14), and Manitoba (1). Of those affected, 65% are male, and ages range from 1 to over 100. Seven people have been hospitalized, with no reported deaths. The investigation remains ongoing. People became ill between mid-April and mid-June 2025, but new cases may still be reported due to the reporting delay window (11 to 45 days after illness onset).

AFFECTED PRODUCTS:
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 sold as-is or used in prepared foods, such as sandwiches at delis, butcher shops, restaurants, and specialty markets. The products were distributed in Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. However, due to distribution networks, it's possible that the affected items reached other provinces or regions.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada


June 11th, 2025:
A Salmonella outbreak has been linked to Rea brand Genoa salami and Bona brand Genova salami, resulting in 57 reported illnesses across Alberta and Ontario. The affected products include specific lots of Rea brand Genoa Salami Sweet and Hot, as well as Bona brand Mild Genova Salami. The outbreak investigation is ongoing.

The outbreak has predominantly affected individuals in Alberta, with 44 cases, and Ontario, with 13 cases. Of those affected, 61% are male, and the age range of those infected spans from 1 to over 100 years old. Seven individuals have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The contaminated salami products may have been used in prepared foods like sandwiches or sold at deli counters.

The problem was identified through routine food safety testing and subsequent epidemiological investigations. Health authorities were alerted to the outbreak after a cluster of Salmonella cases was detected, prompting further analysis and traceback efforts. The investigation remains active, and public health notices will be updated as more information becomes available.



Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2025/outbreak-salmonella-infections-genoa-rea-genova-bona-salami.html