25 Now Ill in Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Tainted Zeppoles

The state Department of Health continues to investigate an outbreak of salmonella that appears to be linked to bad zeppoles from DeFusco's Bakery in Cranston and Johnston. Twenty-five people are now reported to have fallen ill, 13 of which have tested positive for salmonella.

The health department said in a release that the 25 sick  throughout the state share "a common characteristic. . . having consumed zeppoles from DeFusco's Bakery." Ten people have been sent to the hospital. The agency said it incorrectly reported 13 people were sent to the hospital in a release on Saturday.

The origin of the illness is likely the consumption of zeppole pastries that came in contact with raw eggs, the health department said. Pastry shells at DeFusco's were being stored in used egg crates, which could have exposed the shells to infected raw egg. The state lab is working through the weekend to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak by testing food samples.

The health department also expanded its list of establishments that sold the tainted zeppoles. It learned American Bakery Suppliers, a distributor in West Warwick, bought zeppoles from DeFusco's and sold them to three companies; Roch's Market in West Warwick; Meal Works, a caterer in Coventry; and Touch of Class Catering in West Warwick. Meal Works served the zeppoles at March 18 events at West Warwick Manor Senior Center, St. John and Paul Church in Coventry, Sparrow Point in West Warwick and Crescent Park in Riverside.

Zeppoles from Johnston were 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 also sold the zeppoles at their Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston and Cumberland locations between March 16 and 20. In yesterday's release, the agency incorrectly identified Calvitto's in Narragansett as an establishment that sold the tainted zeppoles.

During the investigation, inspectors found unsafe food storage practices at Buono's Bakery in Providence where zeppole, cream puff and eclair shells were also stored in used egg crates. As a result, the health department is advising anyone who bought those items from Buono's Bakery to discard them.

"Boxes that contained eggs or raw meat product should never be used for any other purpose," the release said.

 was issued after health inspectors found pastry cream stored at unsafe temperatures "as well as unsanitary conditions in the store," the release stated. The DeFusco's Bakery location in Johnston was voluntarily closed until further notice.

Salmonella will incubate in the body from one to three days after being ingested. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and fever that lasts from four days to a week. Young children and the elderly are at higher risk. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/