CDC Warns Against Eating Charcuterie Meats Amid Salmonella Outbreak

If you have a charcuterie night planned for the near future, you may want to curtail the cured meats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating a number of Salmonella outbreaks that have been linked to Italian-style meats, such as salami and prosciutto, and other meats that can be found in charcuterie or antipasto assortments.

Currently, there have been two outbreaks affecting 36 people across 17 states. Because a single source has yet to be identified in either case, there aren't yet grounds for a recall.

For now, the federal agency advises that higher-risk individuals first cook the meats until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F or are "steaming hot."

Salmonella is known to cause fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea in healthy individuals, and may cause more severe reactions in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. If you are experiencing any severe symptoms, such as diarrhea that lasts for three or more days, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting, dehydration, and fever exceeding 102 degrees F, contact a healthcare provider.

For more details on Salmonella, consult the CDC's Q&A.