Tainted sausages recalled

A large national recall of ready-to-eat sausage products by a Rhode Island company has been tied to nine confirmed cases of salmonella in North Carolina, according to the state foodborne-illness epidemiologist.

More than 180 cases of salmonella associated with the recall have been reported in 39 states. The North Carolina salmonella cases were mostly reported around Wake and Onslow counties and date to October, when the state joined a national investigation by the Centers for Disease Control, according to David Bergmire-Sweat, the state epidemiologist with the N.C. Department of Public Health. It was only recently that the cases were confirmed as a part of the same outbreak.

The recall involves 1.2 million pounds of sausages, including salami, made by Daniele International. But the brand names involved, in addition to Daniele, include Dietz & Watson and Boar's Head.

Bergmire-Sweat said the brands are available in many statewide grocery chains and other grocers, including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, BJs and Costco. Catherine Reuhl, a spokesperson for Harris Teeter, said the chain removed two products Saturday: Boar's Head Natural Pepper Salami and Dietz & Watson Party Platter Combo Pack.

Two of the Dietz & Watson products were carried by Food Lion's Bloom stores. The products are being pulled, and information will be posted on the store Web site. Food Lion also is notifying loyalty card customers about the recall via e-mail.

However, Bergmire-Sweat said there is still concern because many of the products involved have sell-by dates of up to a year. If consumers find the products, they should return them to the place of purchase so they can be added to the recall.

Jen Aronoff contributed to this story.