(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to a bagged salad mix containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage produced by Fresh Express. The outbreak has also expanded to iceberg lettuce sold at Walmart, the Food and Drug Administration says. The microscopic organism is often found on fresh produce that is eaten raw, especially lettuces and herbs such as cilantro. The list of affected bags is listed here.
The Walmart salad recall is for Marketside Classic Iceberg Salad, sold in 12- and 24-ounce bags in stores in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The CDC and the FDA made an additional announcement on June 19 warning consumers to avoid eating bagged garden salads from the following store brands: ALDI, Hy-Vee, and Jewel-Osco. A multistate investigation is underway for the outbreak, which is primarily spread by eating food (or drinking water) that has been contaminated with feces that contain the parasite.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery 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.
Most people who have healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. If not treated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). Anti-diarrheal medicine may help reduce diarrhea, but a health care provider should be consulted before such medicine is taken. People who are in poor health or who have weakened immune systems may be at higher risk for severe or prolonged illness.
It is important to note that some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.
Public health officials are expressing concern that consumers may have…
…unused portions of the bagged salad greens in their homes—especially since some of the salad products have use-by dates into July. Four bagged salad mixes have been recalled so far after 206 patients have been confirmed as infected by the Cyclospora parasite in the outbreak, according to federal officials as of Friday, June 19th.
This product recall also brings concern because during this time a lot of people are more health-conscious and eating more green vegetables. Reports have shown that more people are buying more vegetables ever since there have been pricing increases in the meat industry.
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