Mainly children are sick in a Salmonella outbreak in France linked to a type of dried sausage.

There have been 26 cases of salmonellosis, 17 of which concern children, identified by the National Reference Center for Salmonella at Institut Pasteur and Santé publique France in October and November. Those interviewed fell ill from Sept. 22 and ate dry sausages bought in the same store.

The link between Salmonella Bovismorbificans illness and consumption of dry cold meats manufactured by France Salaison was confirmed earlier this month by the Directorate General for Food (DGAL), the Directorate General for Health and Santé publique France. The company is based in Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise in the Rhone region of France.

Potentially contaminated product has also been sent to Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia.

Preventative action
A withdrawal and recall of several batches of dry sausages of the Saint Azay brand sold at Leclerc stores took place based on preliminary findings of the investigation. This included all dates of Saucisse Seche Droite 250-grams and Saucisse Seche Courbe 300-grams up to Dec. 8.

France Salaisons has also withdrawn and recalled certain lots and dates of rosette de Lyon 15 slices of the Saint Alby brand and Rosette pre-sliced in 15 slices 150-grams of the Le Flutiau make. They have FR 69.238.010 CE on the package and were sold in the self-service department of Lidl and Aldi.

A company called Monterrat used Rosette manufactured by France Salaisons on Club Rosette sandwiches marked FR 01.159.002 CE and sold at Auchan, Casino, Monoprix, Leader Price and Franprix. Authorities advised anyone with affected products not to consume them and to return them to the point of sale.

In Luxembourg, the recall involves rosette pre-sliced 500-grams of the brand Selecta sold in Cora stores with lot 20487 and dates Dec. 1 and 8, 2020. In Belgium, Roussel recalled pure pork rosette of the Selecta variety 500-grams also sold at Cora and with the same dates and lot code.

about Salmonella infections
Food 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, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any recalled products 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.