Less than two months after announcing a huge recall of salami and other cured meats that are behind a recent salmonella outbreak, it was announced today that the recall has been expanded even further.

Rhode Island-based Daniele International has issued a recall on an additional 115,000 pounds of salami that may have been tainted with salmonella. An investigation is underway as to the root cause of the salmonella, but it’s currently believed that the source may have been the crushed red pepper used in these products.

The USDA has declared this a Class I recall, meaning that, “This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.”

The products, which include major brand names like Dietz & Watson and Boar’s Head, affected by the recall include:
• 8-ounce packages of “DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION HOT SALAME PANINO, HOT SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• 8-ounce packages of “BOAR’S HEAD SALAME PANINO, SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE HOT SALAME PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN STYLE SALAME PANINO, HOT SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• Random weight packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN STYLE SALAME PANINO, HOT SALAME ROLLED IN MOZZARELLA CHEESE.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE SALAME PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL.”
• 1-pound 8-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE CAPOCOLLO PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL; PRESIDENT’S PROSCIUTTO PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL; HOT SALAME PANINO WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA,” with UPC Code 736436709582. NOTE: The products contained in this variety three-pack may be sold individually as well.

The products subject to recall have sell-by dates ranging from February 3, 2010, through May 26, 2010, and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact the company’s Hotline at (888) 345-4160.

The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.

Symptoms of salmonellosis (salmonella poisoning) incude diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours of consuming the tainted food.

Salami recall expanded as investigators seek source of salmonella [Consumer Reports]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.