The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a Public Health Alert because of concerns about Salmonella infections that may be associated with pork products, especially whole pigs used for pig roasts.
Eight clusters of illness caused by Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i- were identified in Washington State between April and July 2015 and FSIS says that it suspects a link between these clusters and pig roasts where whole pigs were cooked and served.
The Public Health Alert points out that roasting a whole pig safely is complex and involves a number of hazards and food handling issues that need to be addressed. Advice is given on safe handling based on four food safety steps: Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.