New Salmonella outbreak in U.S. linked to imported pastries; Canadian outbreak caused by same strain of pathogen

The FDA is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections traced to frozen mini pastries. The outbreak is associated with a similar situation in Canada.

In the United States there are 18 confirmed patients with one of them requiring hospitalization, according to the Food and Drug Administration. There are 69 confirmed patients in Canada with 22 of them having been hospitalized. Neither country has reported any deaths.

The outbreak has been linked to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries manufactured in Italy and exported into the United States by Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. of Quebec, Canada.

On Jan. 21 the FDA was notified about the outbreak in Canada. In the United States the outbreak infections are caused by the same strain of Salmonella as the infections in Canada. The U.S. agency did not report whether this outbreak is the same one it announced on Feb. 5 as having an unknown source.

The implicated pastries were distributed to the states of Florida, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The FDA reports that the pastries may have been further distributed.

Patients live in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. initiated a recall of all Sweet Cream-brand mini pastry products with best by dates from June 17 through Nov. 15. The pastries were sold to foodservice locations and may have been sold individually or in smaller packages, with or without a label that may not bear the same brand, product name, or best by date, according to the FDA. Consumers who are unsure if they have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact their retailer.

A second recall in Canada was initiated by D. Effe T. brand for its Lemon Delight and Tartlet with Forest Fruits. 

“Food service customers who received the recalled product have been contacted directly. FDA is continuing to work with Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. and their U.S. customers to determine the distribution of this product and if additional downstream recalls are necessary,” according to the FDA.

“The recalled product should no longer be available for sale, and there does not appear to be a continued public health risk for consumers.”

As part of its investigation, FDA conducted traceback for one of the U.S. patients and identified that they were served recalled Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries at a restaurant prior to becoming sick. The restaurant received the pastries from one of the U.S. distributors.

About Salmonella infectionsFood contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.

Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated pastries and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/02/new-salmonella-outbreak-in-u-s-linked-to-imported-pastries-canadian-outbreak-caused-by-same-strain-of-pathogen/