An intestinal illness tied to fresh cut vegetables sold in stores has sickened more than 200 people, according to federal health officials. As a result, a voluntary recall remains in effect for certain vegetable trays of fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip under the brand name Del Monte Fresh.
The packages included in the recall are the 6 oz., 12 oz. and 28 oz. Del Monte vegetable trays (See the labels below).
Recall alert: Del Monte vegetables linked to parasite
The outbreak has centered on four Midwestern states — Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin — where 212 people have fallen ill due to a parasite linked to the alleged consumption of the vegetables, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said recently.
Health officials have linked the illnesses to Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause the intestinal illness Cyclosporiasis.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis include diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, nausea, fatigue and increased gas, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The health agency said previous outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce. The illness is not considered life-threatening.
“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,” the Federal Drug Administration said in a statement.
No one has died due to the outbreak, but seven people have been hospitalized, the CDC said.
Here are the labels for the affected products:
6 oz. trays of Del Monte Fresh Produce
12 oz. trays of Del Monte Fresh Produce
28 oz. trays of Del Monte Fresh Produce
What to do if you have these recalled Del Monte products
‘Throw them away’: If you think that you have these products in the fridge, the FDA says you should “dispose of the product in an appropriate waste container.” The CDC uses slightly stronger language: “Do not eat or sell recalled vegetable trays. Throw them away.”
If consumers have any inquiries, they are encouraged to reach out to Del Monte’s 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-659-6500 or email Del Monte Fresh at [email protected].
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