2011 Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Associated with DeFusco's Bakery Pastry Cream, Rhode Island

On March 26, 2011 the Rhode Island Department of Health announced an investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella linked to recalled baked goods produced by DeFusco's Bakery in Johnston, Rhode Island. The products were first recalled on March 25 when it was discovered that the pastry cream used to fill zeppoles, a doughnut-like pastry, and the eclairs, had been stored at unsafe temperatures. On March 27, it was revealed that the bakery had stored finished zeppole shells in used egg crates which could have led to cross contamination of the zeppole shells. The bakery goods from DeFusco's Johnston store were sold at all DeFusco Bakery locations, Crugnale Bakery locations in Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston and Cumberland, Colvitto's Bistro in Narragansett, Sal's Bakery in Providence, and Focaccia World in Johnston. The zeppoles were also sold to American Bakery Supplies, a distributor, which in turn distributed the pastries to Roch's Market in West Warwick, Meal Works in Coventry, and Touch of Class Catering in West Warwick. Meal Works, a catering company, served the zeppoles on March 17 and 18 at the West Warwick Manor Senior Center, St. John and Paul Church in Coventry, Sparrow Point Senior Center in West Warwick, and Crescent Park Manor in Riverside. Two deaths were linked to the outbreak. One of the decedents had been a resident of the the West Warwick Manor Senior Center.

Overview

Outbreak began:March 2011
Affected country:US
States/territories:RI
Pathogen:Salmonella Heidelberg
Vehicle(s):Pastries
Location(s):Nursing Home, Private Home, Church, Retail
Brand name(s):DeFusco's Bakery, Crugnale Bakery, Colvitto's Bistro, Sal's Bakery, American Bakery Supplies, Roch Market, Meal Works
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:83
Number hospitalized:30
Number of deaths:3

Sources & documents

Recall notices
Report / reference links