FSIS became aware of the problem during the course of an ongoing investigation of a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella serotype Montevideo illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FDA, FSIS, state health and agriculture departments, and Daniele International are cooperating in this ongoing investigation. The CDC has posted information, although the investigation has not yet definitively identified a food vehicle.

During the course of that investigation, a sample of product found in commerce was tested on behalf of a participating state department of health and found to contain Salmonella. The product tested was similar to products bought by customers who later became sick in the Montevideo investigation, but a direct link has not been established. The Salmonella strain in the tested product does not appear to be the Montevideo strain of interest, and further testing of the sample is ongoing at a state health partner laboratory.