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Judge grants $33M default against NY company in recall

By Associated Press

Story Created: Sep 17, 2012 at 3:03 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 17, 2012 at 3:04 PM EDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A federal judge has granted a $33 million default judgment against a New York-based spice company involved in a massive salami recall in 2010 after it failed to respond to a lawsuit brought by a Rhode Island-based meat company.

U.S. District Court Judge William Smith on Monday granted a request for a default judgment by Daniele International against Brooklyn-based Wholesome Spice and Seasonings, Inc.

Daniele recalled more than 1.2 million pounds of meat in 2010 after a salmonella outbreak in 44 states sickened more than 250 people.

Health officials found salmonella in the pepper Daniele bought from Wholesome Spices and another company.

Daniele lawyer Richard Beretta, Jr. says it's unclear whether they'll collect on the judgment.

The New York State Division of Corporations says the company was dissolved in April.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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