Source:  Ann Bagel Storck, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/4/10

Tests have shown that the Salmonella Montevideo that has sickened hundreds and prompted an Italian sausage recall has been found in black pepper, but it's still not clear if the pepper is the only source of the outbreak, the Rhode Island health department said Wednesday.

The meat processor implicated in the recall, Daniele Inc., sourced the imported black pepper from two suppliers: Wholesome Spice and Seasonings of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Mincing Overseas Spice Co. in Dayton, N.J. Samples of pepper from both distributors have tested positive for the salmonella strain.

USDA and FDA are working to trace the origin of the pepper and determine other places it was distributed.

Illness update

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that as of Tuesday night, 207 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and the District of Columbia since July 1, 2009. Among the 155 patients with available information, 41 were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

CDC also cautioned that because this is a commonly occurring strain, public health investigators may determine that some of the illnesses are not part of this outbreak.     

For more stories, go to www.meatingplace.com.