FSIS was notified of an investigation of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses on March 10, 2011. Working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health partners, 4 case-patients in N.J., N.C., and Pa. have been identified with illness onset dates between Jan. 28, 2011 and Feb. 2, 2011. As a result of the epidemiologic investigation, FSIS determined that there is a link between the Lebanon bologna products and the illnesses in these states. FSIS is continuing to work with the CDC, affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a health care provider.
Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc., a Palmyra, Penn., establishment, is recalling approximately 23,000 pounds of Lebanon bologna products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Lebanon bologna is a fermented, semi-dry sausage. This beef product has an appearance similar to salami.