(WWJ) -- Salami sticks sold at Trader Joe's stores may be linked to a salmonella outbreak, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a Food Safety Alert.
The CDC says Citterio brand Premium Italian-Style Salame Sticks could be linked to the outbreak, which has sickened 20 people -- and hospitalized three -- in eight states, including Michigan.
Anyone who bought the product is being told to throw it away. Consumers should not eat the salami sticks.
The CDC said the packaged salami sticks may have been sold at other stores as well.
Nine people were interviewed about foods they ate prior to getting sick, and eight reported eating or possibly eating the salami sticks, according to the CDC's alert.
Investigators are still working to determine whether any additional products may be contaminated.
In addition to disposing the salami sticks, CDC officials say consumers should also wash any items and containers that may have touched the product, using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
Anyone who is experiencing the following severe symptoms of salmonella should contact their healthcare provider:
-- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
-- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
-- Bloody diarrhea
-- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
-- Signs of dehydration, including not urinating as much as normal, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
