Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Mini Pastries Prompts Recall

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis has been linked to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries, prompting a recall and an ongoing investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The pastries, imported from Italy by Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. of Quebec, Canada, were distributed to food service locations in several states, including Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. At least 18 people across seven states have been infected, with one reported hospitalization but no deaths.

The recalled pastries, which have best-by dates ranging from June 17, 2025, to November 15, 2025, were sold at hotel cafés, bakeries, institutions, restaurants, and catered events. Some of these products may have been repackaged or sold individually without their original labels, making identification difficult. The FDA is advising consumers to contact their retailer if they are unsure whether they have purchased the affected products. All food service customers who received the recalled pastries have been directly notified by the distributors.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically develop within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and can last up to a week. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children under five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe complications. Consumers experiencing symptoms are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider.

The investigation began on January 21, 2025, when the FDA was alerted to a Salmonella outbreak in the U.S. linked to the same strain previously identified in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) connected their outbreak to Sweet Cream-brand mini pastries, leading Importations Piu Che Dolci Inc. to recall all affected products. Two U.S. distributors had received shipments, with one quarantining all on-hand products and informing downstream customers. An FDA traceback confirmed that at least one U.S. case involved an individual who consumed the pastries at a restaurant.

As of January 29, 2025, cases have been reported in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The FDA is working to determine whether the recalled products reached additional states and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Officials emphasize the importance of safe food handling, advising food service providers to thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled pastries.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

---