Aldi and Picnic recall salami products due to E. coli contamination risk

A safety alert has been issued by two supermarkets regarding salami products potentially contaminated with the dangerous STEC E. coli bacterium. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) reports that the bacterium poses serious health risks for people with low immunity, such as pregnant women and the elderly. The advice is not to consume the salami.

The warning specifically concerns salami sold in different packaging and with various expiration dates at Aldi and online supermarket Picnic. Authorities note this is the second incident in quick succession, as the same STEC bacterium was discovered in boerenmetworst at different supermarkets just last week.

The bacterium can cause symptoms including diarrhea and, in rare instances, lead to severe kidney damage, according to information published on the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) website.

TEC E. coli bacteria are naturally present in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, particularly cattle, and contamination typically occurs during the slaughtering process or through subsequent handling.

Consumers who have purchased the contaminated salami are strongly advised not to throw the product away in their regular bins, but to return it to the store (Aldi or Picnic) for a refund, or safely dispose of it to prevent further contamination in the household.