RECALL: Meat recall grows in Canada after 86 confirmed cases
A major food recall has been issued across Canada as health officials investigate a Salmonella outbreak linked to various salami and cacciatore products.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are warning consumers not to eat or serve multiple dry-cured meat products following an outbreak that has sickened at least 86 people and led to nine hospitalizations.
Affected products and brands
The recall includes a wide range of dry-cured meats sold under several brands, including:
- Bona
- Rea
- Cosmo’s Smoked Meats
- Imperial Meats
- Longo’s
- Luc’s European Meats Cheese & Eats
- Marini Salumi
- Naturissimo
- P & E Foods
- Speziale Fine Foods
- Superior Meats
- T.J. Meats
- Vince’s Cured Meats Corp.
These products include various types of salami and cacciatore sausages, both hot and mild varieties, and were distributed in several provinces, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
Many were sold in grocery stores, butcher shops, delis, cafés, and restaurants, and may also have been used in prepared items like sandwiches.
Health impact
According to PHAC, the Salmonella outbreak linked to these products has resulted in 86 laboratory-confirmed cases in five provinces:
- Alberta: 67 cases
- Ontario: 17
- British Columbia: 1
- Manitoba: 1
- Quebec: 1 (linked to Rea soppressata)
The illnesses occurred between mid-April and late June 2025. Those affected range in age from 1 to over 100 years old, with 64% of the cases involving men. Nine people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection
Salmonella typically causes illness within 6 to 72 hours after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Most people recover on their own, but the illness can be more severe in young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Long-term complications, such as reactive arthritis, are also possible.
What consumers should do
Canadians are advised to:
- Check their refrigerators and freezers for any of the recalled products.
- Do not eat, serve, or sell any affected items.
- Return the products to the store or safely dispose of them.
- Monitor for symptoms of Salmonella infection and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear.
- If you’ve purchased a prepared food item like a sandwich and are unsure if it contains recalled salami, ask the retailer or restaurant for details.
Ongoing investigation
The CFIA is continuing its food safety investigation and may expand the recall if additional affected products are identified. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also working with provincial health authorities to monitor new cases and trace the source of contamination.
This outbreak is a reminder that cured and ready-to-eat meats—while popular—can pose risks if not properly handled, processed, or stored. Consumers are encouraged to stay updated on current recalls by visiting the Government of Canada’s Recalls and Safety Alerts page.
Contact information
- CFIA consumer inquiries: 1‑800‑442‑2342
- PHAC general inquiries: 1‑866‑225‑0709
- Email: [email protected]
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