Category Archives: Cyclospora

USA – FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays

Posted on July 20, 2018 by | Leave a comment

FDA cyclo

What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?

FDA, CDC, state, and local partners are currently investigating several Cyclospora illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte 6oz and 12oz vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip that were sold by Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations in IA, IN, MI, MN, and WI. Additionally, Del Monte is recalling “small veggie trays,” which are 28oz and include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery and dill dip that were distributed to Illinois and Indiana.

As of July 19, 2018, CDC has reported 237 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in persons from IA, MN, WI and MI who reportedly consumed the vegetable trays. Seven of these people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. The two cases from Michigan reportedly purchased the vegetable tray in Wisconsin and therefore Michigan is not impacted from this outbreak.

On June 8, 2018, Del Monte withdrew their 6oz and 12oz vegetable trays from retail market locations, and they are not currently available for purchase. However, consumers who purchased these trays before the withdrawal may still have product in their homes since the expiration date is June 17, 2018 or earlier. The 28oz vegetable trays that were distributed to IL and IN are being recalled as of June 15, 2018. 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. FDA is currently reviewing distribution and supplier information related to the vegetable trays; the investigation is ongoing.

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USA – McDonald’s Cyclospora Outbreak Sickens 61 in IA, IL, MN, MO, NE, SD, WI

Posted on July 16, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Bulletin

A McDonald’s cyclospora outbreak that is “likely linked” to the fast food chain’s salads has sickened at lest 61 people in 7 states. Two people have been hospitalized because they are so sick. This outbreak is probably not linked to the other current cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled Del Monte Vegetable trays that has sickened 227 people in the upper Midwest, but public health officials are investigating.

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USA – FDA Fast Facts: FDA works with partners to investigate a Cyclospora outbreak potentially associated with McDonald’s salads

Posted on July 16, 2018 by | Leave a comment

FDA Cyclospora_LifeCycle201

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state and local officials, are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora infections. Yesterday, the Illinois and Iowa Health Departments identified McDonald’s salads as being potentially linked to cases of Cyclospora in both states. McDonald’s has voluntarily stopped selling salads at affected restaurants across 14 states and the CDC reports that 61 people across seven states have gotten sick.

“We understand how important it is to quickly identify the cause of this foodborne outbreak to help reduce additional illness and we’re working closely with our colleagues at CDC and state partners to get more answers. There’s still a lot to learn about this outbreak, and we appreciate that McDonald’s has removed salads from the menu in impacted restaurants while we work to determine whether they are in fact linked to the outbreak. We will continue to share our progress toward these goals and provide updates as we learn more,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. “It’s early in the investigation, but we are taking steps now to help ensure consumers know about the potentially contaminated product so that they can better protect themselves or seek treatment, especially if they have signs or symptoms of a Cyclospora infection. This is especially important as Cyclospora is not commonly tested for in a health care setting, so consumers who may think they have been exposed should raise their concerns with their health care professional.”

As part of this emerging investigation, the FDA is actively working with McDonald’s to identify the common ingredients in the salads identified by those who became sick and to trace back those ingredients through the supply chain.

Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause severe intestinal illness, but can be treated. Although it’s unknown exactly how food and water become infected with Cyclospora, people should be aware that rinsing or washing food is not likely to remove it.

The following is an update on the FDA’s ongoing investigation into this outbreak.

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USA – Cyclospora Parasite cases in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin – some linked to McDonald’s Salads

Posted on July 13, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Poison Journal

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has received confirmation of approximately 90 cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite.  Cases have been reported in counties across Illinois with people becoming ill starting in mid-May.  The initial investigation indicates a link to consumption of McDonald’s salads produced for McDonald’s restaurants.  Approximately one-fourth of Illinois cases reported eating salads from McDonald’s in the days before they became ill.  The Iowa Department of Health has noted a similar increase in cases.“Although a link has been made to salads sold in McDonald’s restaurants in some Illinois cases, public health officials continue to investigate other sources,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D.  “If you ate a salad from McDonald’s since mid-May and developed diarrhea and fatigue, contact a health care provider about testing and treatment.”

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USA – More than 200 people ill from parasite in Del Monte vegetable tray recall

Posted on July 9, 2018 by | Leave a comment

CNN

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis has sickened 212 people in four states since May, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. Seven of those individuals have been hospitalized.

 Illnesses linked to Del Monte vegetable trays have been reported in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The outbreak is linked to Del Monte vegetable trays with fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots and dill dip. A recall of these 6-,12- and 28-ounce trays in clear, plastic clamshell packaging that contain these items was issued on June 15. The trays have a “Best if used by” date of June 17, 2018 and were sold at Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket, and Peapod stores in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

 

CDC – 

Multistate Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis Linked to Del Monte Fresh Produce Vegetable Trays — United States, 2018

 

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Posted in CDC, Cyclospora, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Uncategorized

USA – Texas officials report dozens sick from parasitic infections – Cyclospora

Posted on July 4, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News cyclo

Texas officials warned the public Monday about a seasonal increase in infections from Cyclospora parasites, reporting there have been 56 confirmed cases since the beginning of May.

Neither this week’s outbreak notice nor a June 21 health advisory from the Texas State Department of Health Services (DSHS) referenced an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak in four other states. At least 185 people are infected in that outbreak, which is associated with trays of pre-cut fresh vegetables from Del Monte. 

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USA – CDC Investigation Update: Cyclosporiasis

Posted on July 2, 2018 by | Leave a comment

CDC 220px-Cyclospora_cayetanensis_stained

CDC investigation announcement of a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to Del Monte Fresh Produce Vegetable Trays, U.S. 2018 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2018/a-062018/index.html

Key points:

  • CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and state and local public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections associated with consumption of pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip.
  • Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms begin an average of 7 days after ingestion.
  • Symptoms may include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Other less common symptoms include vomiting and low-grade fever.
  • As of June 15, 2018 (3pm EDT), CDC has been notified of 78 linked laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis from four states—Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
  • Four of the 78 cases have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
  • Cases reported in Michigan were from persons who bought the products in Wisconsin.
  • Consumers and retailers in Indiana and Illinois also are being alerted as the 28 oz. pre-packaged vegetable trays also were distributed in these states.
  • Most ill people reported buying and consuming pre-packaged Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip in the Midwest.
  • Most people reported buying the trays at Kwik Trip/Kwik Star convenience stores.
  • On June 15, 2018, Del Monte Fresh Produce recalled 6 oz., 12 oz., and 28 oz. vegetable trays containing fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip.
    • Recalled products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers.
    • Recalled products were distributed to the following stores: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket, and Peapod.
    • Recalled products have a “Best If Enjoyed By” date of June 17, 2018.
      • The recalled 6 oz. Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable tray has a UPC code of 7 1752472715 2 found on the package label.
      • The recalled 12 oz. Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable tray has a UPC code of 7 1752472518 9 found on the package label.
      • The recalled 28 oz. Del Monte Fresh Produce small vegetable tray has a UPC code of 7 1752478604 3 found on the package label.
    • Do not eat or sell recalled vegetable trays. Throw them away.

The investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide updates when more information is available on CDC.gov – https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2018/a-062018/index.html

If you have further questions about this outbreak, please call the CDC media line at (404) 639-3286. If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

CDC – Cyclospora Information

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Posted in Cyclospora, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized

USA – Cyclospora Kwik Trip Outbreak Linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays Grows to 144 Sick

Posted on June 25, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin cyclo

The cyclospora Kwik Trip outbreak linked to Del Monte vegetable trays has now grown to 144 patients, according to an FDA update. The patients live in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Six people have been hospitalized in this outbreak because they are so sick.

Cyclospora Kwik Trip Del Monte Outbreak 622

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USA – Iowa investigates increase in Cyclospora cases

Posted on June 21, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today

Iowa state health officials report  investigating an increasing number of Cyclospora infections. Since the beginning of the year, 22 Cyclospora infections have been reported in nine Iowa counties.

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USA – Health officials investigating increase in Cyclospora infections in state

Posted on June 18, 2018 by | Leave a comment

MDH State

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is investigating an increase in Cyclospora infections within the last month. To date, state health officials have identified two outbreaks together involving at least three dozen Minnesotans.

One outbreak has been identified among people who ate at Sonora Grill in Minneapolis in mid-May. To date, 17 patrons have reported illness. The restaurant is fully cooperating with the investigation, and investigators say they do not have any indication that there is an ongoing risk to patrons.

To better identify the source of infection, MDH investigators want to speak with people who ate at Sonora Grill over the weekend of May 18-May 20, regardless of whether they became ill.

“Even if you have not been sick, your information can help us identify what may have caused these illnesses and prevent future illnesses,” said Trisha Robinson, an epidemiologist supervisor with MDH. “If you ate at Sonora Grill during that weekend of May 18-20, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health Waterborne Diseases Unit at 651-201-4891.”

Infection with Cyclospora, known as cyclosporiasis, is caused by the parasite Cyclospora and is spread through consumption of imported fresh produce; it is not spread person-to-person. Washing of imported produce, or routine chemical disinfection or sanitizing methods, are unlikely to kill Cyclospora. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss. People typically become ill about a week after exposure, but this period can range from 2-14 days. Diarrhea can last several weeks or longer if not treated.

A second outbreak has been linked to Del Monte vegetable trays purchased at Kwik Trip locations. To date, 20 cases have been identified among Minnesotans in this outbreak. Cases report purchasing the vegetable trays at various Kwik Trip locations around the state. Kwik Trip is cooperating with the investigation and voluntarily removed the vegetable trays from their shelves. Consumers should not eat the following products:

  • Del Monte Vegetable Tray, containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip, 6 oz.
  • Del Monte Vegetable Tray, containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip, 12 oz.

MDH investigators are working with the Minneapolis Health Department and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) on the Sonora Grill outbreak and with MDA and other states on the Kwik Trip outbreak.

“We do not have any indication at this time that the two outbreaks are related,” Robinson said. “Besides these outbreak cases, there are other cases of cyclosporiasis that do not appear to be related to either of these outbreaks, which is not unexpected for this time of year. We typically see increases in Cyclospora infections from May through August.”

Health officials encourage anyone experiencing the symptoms of cyclosporiasis, particularly if they consumed a vegetable tray purchased at Kwik Trip or dined at Sonora Grill, to contact their health care provider.

-MDH-

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Posted in Cyclospora, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, Uncategorized