Category Archives: Parasite

Canada -Recall of Fresh Express Salads in Canada For Cyclospora Updated

Posted on July 8, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin

The recall of Fresh Express salad products in Canada for possible cyclospora contamination has been updated to include the correct UPC numbers, package sizes, and expiration dates. No illnesses have been reported in Canada, but there is a cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. potentially linked to Fresh Express salads.

All of the recalled products have a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number. They are all Fresh Express brand. The corrected numbers are labeled with a *.

The recalled salads are Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar in 323 gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 30931 6* and all best before dates up to and including July 8*, 2020; American in 312 gram packages and UPC number 0 71279 24100 5* with all best before dates up to and including July 11, 2020*; Chopped Kit Thai ‘N’ Cashews in 332 gram packages, with UPC number 0 71279 30925 5*, and all best before dates up to and including July 11, 2020*; and Veggie Lover’s in 312* gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 28106 3* and all best before dates up to and including July 11, 2020*.

Also recalled are Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp in 315 gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 30933 0* and all best before dates up to and including July 11, 2020*; Iceberg Garden in 680 gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 10411 9* and all best before dates up to and including July 12, 2020*; Iceberg Garden in 340 gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 10302 0* and all best before dates up to and including July 12, 2020*; and Shreds Iceberg* in 227* gram packages, with UPC number 0 71279 15101 4* and all best before dates up to and including July 12, 2020*.

Finally, Green & Crisp is recalled, sold in 312 gram packages, with UPC number 0 71279 10813 1* and all best before dates up to and including July 12, 2020*; Chopped Kit Asian in 340 gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 30929 3* and all best before dates up to and including July 13, 2020*; Chopped Kit Southwest in 326 gram packages with UPC number 0 71279 30930 9* and all best before dates July 12, 2020*; and 3 Colour Deli Cole Slaw* in 397 gram packages, with UPC number 0 71279 12302 8* and all best before dates up to and including July 14, 2020*.

If you purchased any of these products don’t eat them. Throw them away in a secure garbage can or take them back to the place of purchase for a full refund. You can see pictures of product packages at the CFIA web site.

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

USA – Jewel-Osco Voluntarily Recalls Bagged Signature Farms Garden Salad Due to Possible Cyclospora Contamination – Updated

Posted on July 7, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

A previous version of this press release issued on June 19, 2020 stated that product bearing the facility code “S5417” and that code is incorrect.   The only product bearing the product code “S5424” is subject to recall and it was made at a facility in Streamwood, IL.

In cooperation with the Fresh Express recall of bagged salads potentially linked to an outbreak of Cyclospora infections in the Midwest.  Jewel-Osco is voluntarily recalling bagged Signature Farms Garden Salad, net wt. 12 oz., sold in its stores in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.

The recalled Signature Farms Garden Salad, UPC code of 21130 98135, was sold in 12-ounce bags in the Produce section.  The recalled products have BEST IF USED BY dates of May 16 through July 4 (5-16-20 through 7-04-20). The BEST IF USED BY date and the product code are printed on the top right corner of the front of the package.  The affected product with the product code is subject to recall.

 

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

USA – Jewel-Osco Voluntarily Recalls Bagged Signature Farms Garden Salad Due to Possible Cyclospora Contamination

Posted on July 4, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA Cyclospora_LifeCycle201

A previous version of this press release issued on June 19, 2020 stated that product bearing the facility code “S5417” and that code is incorrect.   The only product bearing the product code “S5424” is subject to recall and it was made at a facility in Streamwood, IL.

In cooperation with the Fresh Express recall of bagged salads potentially linked to an outbreak of Cyclospora infections in the Midwest.  Jewel-Osco is voluntarily recalling bagged Signature Farms Garden Salad, net wt. 12 oz., sold in its stores in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.

The recalled Signature Farms Garden Salad, UPC code of 21130 98135, was sold in 12-ounce bags in the Produce section.  The recalled products have BEST IF USED BY dates of May 16 through July 4 (5-16-20 through 7-04-20). The BEST IF USED BY date and the product code are printed on the top right corner of the front of the package.  The affected product with the product code is subject to recall.

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. Most people infected with Cyclospora develop diarrhea. 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.

Consumers are asked to check their refrigerators for the recalled product. Consumers who have purchased the product are asked to discard or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Customers who have questions about the recall can contact Jewel-Osco at 1-877-723-3929.

CORE’s Announcement

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Jewel-Osco
 1-877-723-3929

Product Photos

  • Image – Package Front of Signature Farms Garden Salad

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, pathogenic, Uncategorized

Research -Cyclospora: A Long-term Challenge for Food Suppliers

Posted on July 2, 2020 by | Leave a comment

World Aware

Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, occur almost every year in the US, and this summer is no exception. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Since May 1, more than 206 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across 8 states in the Midwest.

Based on interviews with patients, investigators traced the outbreak back to bagged salad mix. The recent outbreak of Cyclospora infections highlights the importance of compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Produce Safety Rule and specifically worker health and hygiene principles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have made attempts to better understand the factors contributing to Cyclospora infections.  However, many cases of cyclosporiasis cannot be directly linked to an outbreak, in part because of the lack of validated molecular typing tools for Cyclospora cayetanensis.

It is likely, in the future, new analysis methods will be developed to differential strains of Cyclospora, if there is enough genetic diversity. This will allow a way to focus more quickly on illness clusters and more rapid traceback of food vehicles to production sites. This should allow for environmental assessments at production sites to determine routes of contamination and prevention option.

In the meantime, the best we can do is to emphasize the importance of compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Produce Safety Rule, and specifically worker health and hygiene principles.

 

 

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Parasite, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Uncategorized

USA – If You Have Cyclospora Symptoms, Please Get Tested For the Parasite

Posted on July 1, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Poisoning Bulletin cardcyclosporasme

For many reasons, probably including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, these days many people are reluctant to go to the doctor if they are sick. This can lead to disastrous consequences. In the field of food poisoning, these patients may be misdiagnosed, go undiagnosed, and may suffer permanent lifelong health consequences if not treated. If you have cyclospora symptoms, please get tested for the parasite.

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Poisoning, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

Canada – Correction – Food Recall Warning – Fresh Express brand salad products recalled due to Cyclospora

Posted on June 30, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA

Advisory details

Ottawa, June 29, 2020 – The food recall warning issued on June 28, 2020 has been amended to correctly identify the affected products. The corrections for these products are marked by an asterisk (*).

Fresh Express is recalling Fresh Express brand salad products from the marketplace due to possible Cyclospora contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Production Code Best Before Date
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar 323 g 0 71279 30931 6* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 08*
Fresh Express American 312 g 0 71279 24100 5* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Thai ‘N’ Cashews 332 g 0 71279 30925 5* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*
Fresh Express Veggie Lover’s 312 g* 0 71279 28106 3* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp 315 g 0 71279 30933 0* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 11*
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden 680 g 0 71279 10411 9* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden 340 g 0 71279 10302 0* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*
Fresh Express Shreds Iceberg* 227 g* 0 71279 15101 4* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*
Fresh Express Green & Crisp 312 g 0 71279 10813 1* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Asian 340 g 0 71279 30929 3* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 13*
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Southwest 326 g 0 71279 30930 9* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 12*
Fresh Express 3 Colour Deli Cole Slaw* 397 g 0 71279 12302 8* All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z177” or a lower number All best before dates up to and including Jul 14*

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Cyclospora may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. People infected with Cyclospora can experience a wide range of symptoms, including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Some people do not get sick at all, while others suffer from a severe upset stomach. Few people get seriously ill.

Background

This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products in Canada.

Related alerts

2020-06-28 – Salad products recalled due to Cyclospora

Product photos

Printer ready version of photos

  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express- American
  • Fresh Express- American (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Thai 'N' Cashews
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Thai 'N' Cashews (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Veggie Lover's
  • Fresh Express - Veggie Lover's (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Iceberg Garden 680g
  • Fresh Express - Iceberg Garden 680g (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Iceberg Garden 340g
  • Fresh Express - Iceberg Garden 340g (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Shreds Iceberg
  • Fresh Express - Shreds Iceberg (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Green & Crisp
  • Fresh Express - Green & Crisp (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Asian
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Asian (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Southwest
  • Fresh Express - Chopped Kit Southwest (universal product code)
  • Fresh Express - 3 Colour Deli Cole Slaw
  • Fresh Express - 3 Colour Deli Cole Slaw (universal product code)

Public enquiries and media

Company information
Fresh Express
Consumer Service Centre: 1-866-709-8410
Media Inquiries: Barbara Hines 972-677-8127
Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: cfia.enquiries-demandederenseignements.acia@canada.ca

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Posted in CFIA, Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

USA – Salad Supplier Recall Expanded after Potential Cyclospora Contamination; Hy-Vee Pulls Additional Salads as a Result

Posted on June 30, 2020 by | Leave a comment

FDA

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
FDA Publish Date:
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Produce
Reason for Announcement:
Possible Cyclospora Contamination
Company Name:
Hy-Vee Inc.
Brand Name:
Hy-Vee
Product Description:
Chopped Salad Kit, Shredded Iceberg and more

Company Announcement

Hy-Vee, Inc., based in West Des Moines, Iowa, is recalling an additional 12 salads across its eight-state region due to the potential that they may be contaminated with Cyclospora. The potential for contamination was brought to Hy-Vee’s attention when Fresh Express – which manufactures the product – announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) expanded its investigation of an outbreak of Cyclospora in the upper Midwest section of the United States. The 12 salads are in addition to the 12 oz. Hy-Vee Bagged Garden Salad product that Hy-Vee pulled last week after initial notification of the investigation. Hy-Vee now has 13 private label bagged salad products (all expiration dates) that are being recalled as a result.

The products were distributed to Hy-Vee grocery stores across its eight-state region of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The list below outlines the 13 products that have been recalled. No other Hy-Vee branded salads are impacted by today’s recall.

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

USA – Cyclospora Recall Expands: Fresh Express, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Jewel-Osco, and ALDI Salads Recalled

Posted on June 30, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Outbreak News Today

Citing potential Cyclospora risk, today Fresh Express expanded its recall of products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots.  The salad products were produced at Fresh Express’ Streamwood, IL facility.  Here is a list of recalled products.  This expands the Fresh Express recall of June 18, 2020.  The recalled salad products were sold at Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Jewel-Osco, and ALDI.

 

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Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

Canada – Food Recall Warning – Salad products recalled due to Cyclospora

Posted on June 29, 2020 by | Leave a comment

CFIA Cyclospora_LifeCycle201

Recall details

Ottawa, June 28, 2020 – Fresh Express is recalling Fresh Express brand salad products from the marketplace due to possible Cyclospora contamination. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Production Code Best Before Date
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Chipotle Cheddar 323 g 0 71279306049 8 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 08
Fresh Express American 312 g 0 71279241036 2 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 11
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Thai ‘N’ Cashews 332 g 0 71279309255 0 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 11
Fresh Express Veggie Lover’s 340 g 0 71279281063 6 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 11
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Sunflower Crisp 315 g 0 71279309330 4 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 11
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden 680 g 0 71279104119 2 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 12
Fresh Express Iceberg Garden 340 g 0 71279103020 2 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 12
Fresh Express SHREDS 226 g 0 71279151014 8 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 12
Fresh Express Green & Crisp 312 g 0 71279108131 0 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 12
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Asian 340 g 0 71279309293 2 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 13
Fresh Express Chopped Kit Southwest 326 g 0 71279309309 0 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 12
Fresh Express 3 Color Deli Cole Slaw 397 g 0 71279123028 2 All packages bearing a lot code beginning with “Z 177” or a lower number Jul 14

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

Food contaminated with Cyclospora may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. People infected with Cyclospora can experience a wide range of symptoms, including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Some people do not get sick at all, while others suffer from a severe upset stomach. Few people get seriously ill.

Background

This recall was triggered by the company. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

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Posted in CFIA, Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Parasite, Uncategorized

USA – Walmart salad served by restaurant linked to parasitic infections; grocery store bagged salads still involved

Posted on June 28, 2020 by | Leave a comment

Food Safety News 220px-Cyclospora_cayetanensis_stained

With another 84 patients confirmed and an eighth state involved, an outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to Fresh Express bagged salads sold by grocery stores is now being blamed for sickening restaurant patrons.

As of an update today, federal officials are reporting 206 patients have been confirmed as infected by the Cyclospora parasite in the outbreak. The microscopic organism is often found on fresh produce that is eaten raw, especially lettuces and herbs such as cilantro. 

Public health officials are concerned that consumers may have unused portions of the implicated salads in their homes. Four bagged salad mixes have been recalled so far. Some of the salad products have use-by dates into July.

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