Vegetable Trays Recalled Due To Parasite Outbreak

MICHIGAN — Del Monte is recalling its veggie trays across the Midwest, which include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery and dill dip. The trays are believed to be the source of a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They have been investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte vegetable trays in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

The trays were sold in six-, 12 and 28 ounces. As of June 15, 2018, CDC has reported 78 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in persons from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan who reportedly consumed the vegetable trays.

Del Monte reports the recalled products were distributed to: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket and Peapod in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and have “Best If Enjoyed By” date of June 17, 2018 or earlier.
FDA has not identified which of the ingredients is the vehicle for this outbreak; each component of these vegetable trays is under consideration.

What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite of humans. This parasite, when it contaminates food or water and is then ingested, can cause an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis.
The Cyclospora parasite needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that cyclosporiasis is passed directly from one person to another.
For more information on Cyclospora: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/

What are the Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis?

Most people infected with Cyclospora develop diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms. If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse).

Who is at Risk?

People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. People living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is endemic, including certain tropical or subtropical regions of the world, may be at increased risk for infection.

Image via FDA

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