The CDC published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), May 15, 2025 / 74(17);293–295, that during December 2023–March 2024, an outbreak of Salmonella enterica I 4:I:- infection linked to contaminated charcuterie-style meats in 33 states. Early usage of purchase records identified a common charcuterie product from one company and enabled a swift recall. On December 19, 2023, CDC’s PulseNet identified a cluster of 13 Salmonella enterica I 4:I:- infections in five states that were found to be highly related by WGS, indicating a possible outbreak. The report describes the largest US infectious outbreak associated with charcuterie-style meats since 2010. Consumer purchase records were successfully used for hypothesis generation in this outbreak investigation and provided a critical foundation for traceback activities. Coupled with patient interview information, the use of purchase records enabled rapid identification and recall of contaminated products 17 days after the investigation began, likely preventing additional cases of illness. Purchase records are important tools supporting epidemiologic and traceback efforts and can facilitate the implementation of prompt regulatory action. @ https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7417a2.htm#:~:text=During%20December%202023%E2%80%93March%202024,and%20enabled%20a%20swift%20recall.
