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Food License Suspended
DeFusco’s fails to renew its Food Processor Retail license, which is suspended, and continues to sell products. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health Immediate Compliance Order -
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Zeppole: Story of an Outbreak
The outbreak that killed two elderly men sent 28 others to hospitals and sickened 78 people in Rhode Island and one in Massachusetts. Rhode Island’s largest Salmonella outbreak in more than a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has drawn attention to poor food handling practices by the now closed DeFusco’s Bakery, which also distributed zeppole to senior centers and churches, and to lack of oversight by the understaffed and underfunded state health department. -
Inspection - Johnston Location
DeFusco’s is cited for housekeeping issues in the walk-in freezer and a loose gasket on the freezer door. Source: Marler Clark Inspection -
Inspection - Cranston Location
DeFusco’s is cited for a leaking faucet and no trash can or light in the women’s restroom. Two follow-up inspections show that the broken faucet is still leaking. Source: Marler Clark Inspections -
Zeppole Outbreak Begins
More than a dozen churches, nursing homes and bakeries begin purchasing zeppole from DeFusco’s to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health Photo by Kyle Bruggeman Zeppole -
St. Joseph's Day
The holy day honors the birth of St. Joseph. "St Joseph with the Infant Jesus" by Guido Reni Source: Wikipedia.org [St. Joseph's Day](<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph's_Day)' >St. Joseph's Day</a> -
Frank Castelli Sr. Hospitalized
Frank Castelli Sr., 84, hospitalized after collapsing at home, is diagnosed with Salmonella. Source: Frank Castelli Jr. Frank Castelli Jr. keeps this photo of his father on the mantel in his Cranston home. Photo courtesy the Castelli family -
First Outbreak-Related Death
Frank Castelli Sr.’s family takes him off life support. Source: Frank Castelli Jr. Frank Castelli Jr. reminisces about his father. Photo by Kyle Bruggeman -
Outbreak Investigation Begins
The Rhode Island Department of Health learns of the outbreak after 15 West Shore Health Center residents become ill. Owner Stephen DeFusco voluntarily closes the bakery after inspectors find serious food safety violations at both locations. The state announces a Salmonella outbreak linked to DeFusco’s Bakery. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health Photo by Kyle Bruggeman Press Release -
Sample Collection
Health inspectors collect samples at the Johnston location for testing at the state lab. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health Clinical Lab Scientist Kristina Borden examines salmonella in a petri dish inside the Rhode Island Department of Health laboratory. Photo by Kyle Bruggeman Rhode Island State Health Lab -
First Lawsuit Filed
Erin Carrera, mother of a Rehoboth, Mass. 16-year-old sickened by DeFusco’s zeppole, sues the bakery for negligence, breach of warranty and strict product liability. Source: WPRI.com Complaint -
Second Outbreak-Related Death
A Rhode Island man in his 90s dies after eating a tainted zeppole, the second death reported from the Salmonella outbreak. Source: MSNBC.com MSNBC article -
Order Issued
Rhode Island orders DeFusco’s to close until further notice, clean the facilities and pay fees and fines. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health Order -
Press Release Issued
The state announces that all remaining food from the bakery tested negative for Salmonella. Source: Rhode Island Department of Health Press Release -
Temporary Receiver Appointed
Stephen DeFusco’s company goes into receivership, and the financial responsibilities of the bakery are temporarily overseen by attorney Peter Furness. Source: Sinapi, Formisano & Company Order -
Permanent Receiver Appointed
Furness is appointed permanent receiver of DeFusco's to investigate the financial matters associated with the business. Source: Sinapi, Formisano & Company Order
