Foodborne Illnesses / Salmonella /

DeFusco's Zeppoles Salmonella Outbreak in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Health announced on March 25, 2011 that 19 illnesses had associated with the DeFusco's zeppole Salmonella outbreak. On April 18, officials announced that number was up to 79 people were ill, 30 hospitalized, and 2 had died. Of the ill, 75 were in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts.

Distribution of Salmonella-contaminated zeppoles

The Salmonella-contaminated zeppoles were sold by American Bakery Supplies, a distributor in West Warwick, which purchased zeppoles from DeFusco's. The company then distributed the zeppoles 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 these potentially Salmonella-contaminated zeppoles at events on March 17 and 18 at West Warwick Manor Senior Center, St John and Paul Church in Coventry, Sparrow Point (senior facility) in West Warwick, and Crescent Park Manor in Riverside.

Zeppoles from DeFusco’s Johnston store were also sold at all DeFusco’s locations; Colvitto’s Bistro in Narragansett; Sal’s Bakery in Providence; and Focaccia World in Johnston. All five Crugnale Bakery locations in Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, and Cumberland also sold DeFusco’s zeppoles from March 16 through March 20.

Defusco’s Zeppole Salmonella Recall

The Rhode Island Department of Health announced a recall of all baked goods sold at DeFusco’s Bakeries following an inspection of the Johnston, RI store where the pastries were made. Department of Health staff found pastry cream that is used in zeppoles and éclairs was stored at unsafe temperatures as well as unsanitary conditions that could be conducive for the growth of pathogens such as Salmonella. In the March 27, 2011 press release the Rhode Island Department of Health announced that the most likely cause of the Salmonella outbreak is consumption of zeppole pastries that came in contact with raw eggs. Pastry shells from DeFusco's had been stored in used egg crates, which could have exposed the shells to Salmonella-contaminated raw eggs.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Symptoms of Salmonella infection begin anywhere from 6 to 72 hours after a person ingests Salmonella bacteria and typically last 3 to 7 days, though in some cases can last longer and be potentially fatal. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases they may include vomiting, headache, and body aches. Any person who believes they have contracted a Salmonella infection should consult a doctor immediately. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection you should call your local health department to help ensure a larger outbreak does not take place.

Contact the Marler Clark Salmonella Attorneys

The Salmonella attorneys of Marler Clark have unmatched foodborne illness litigation experience. If you or a family member became ill with a Salmonella infection after consuming contaminated zeppoles and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, you can contact a Marler Clark Salmonella lawyer for a free case evaluation.

Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses. The law firm is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. You can fill out the contact form or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.

Salmonella outbreaks and recalls

August 23, 2023

Listeria outbreak: Three die after drinking contaminated milkshakes

Three people have died, and three others are in hospital after drinking milkshakes contaminated with listeria bacteria in the US state of Washington, health officials…

July 12, 2023

2011 Listeria Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes: A History

A total of 148 persons infected with any of the five (5) outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes were reported to CDC from 28 states. The…

May 20, 2023

A Quick Look at the 2018 Hepatitis A Outbreak

Litigation proceeded in a Virginia state court against Tropical Smoothie and the strawberry supply chain. There were 134 people with hepatitis A reported from nine…

  • View all