The cyclospora outbreak linked to Kwik Trip Del Monte Veggie trays has grown to include 78 lab-confirmed cases in four states. The case count by state is: Michigan (2), Iowa (3), Minnesota (23), and Wisconsin (50).
The cases have no history of travel outside of the U.S. or Canada in the 14 days before they got sick. This parasite is usually found in third world and developing countries.
All of those sickened consumed Kwik Trip Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays that contain broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip that were sold at several locations in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. They were packaged in 6 ounce and 12 ounce sizes with expiration date of June 17, 2018 or earlier. Del Monte recalled them on June 8, 2018, although the outbreak was not listed on the FDA web site until June 15, 2018.
Del Monte is also recalling “small veggie trays” that are in 28 ounce packages. That product was distributed in Illinois and Indiana. Del Monte said that 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” dates of June 17, 2018 or earlier. The two cases in Michigan reportedly purchased the veggies in Wisconsin and so Michigan “has not been impacted from this outbreak,” according to the FDA. This contradictory information has not been clarified by the FDA.
Attorney Fred Pritzker said, “This infection can completely disrupt a patient’s life. The patients can’t work and will accrue significant medical bills.” Call 612-338-0202 or 1-888-377-8900 for help.
Attorney Fred Pritzker, President of the Minneapolis law firm Pritzker Hageman, who is representing clients sickened in this outbreak, said, “This outbreak is growing by leaps and bounds. Typically, cyclospora outbreaks that occur every summer sicken hundreds of people in this country, but they are usually linked to produce such as cilantro, mesclun, or snow peas. Our clients have been suffering through no fault of their own.”
If you have purchased these products, do not eat them. Throw them away or take them back to the store where you purchased them for a refund.
FDA hasn’t identified which ingredient is the vehicle for this parasite. Public health officials are reviewing distribution and supplier information and the investigation is ongoing.
Cyclospora is a one celled parasite. It isn’t passed from person-to-peron because it needs time outside the digestive tract to become infectious. The symptoms of this infection include diarrhea that is watery and explosive. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever.
This infection can last for months if not treated. Symptoms may subside and then relapse, even more than once. If you have eaten one of these products and have been sick, see your doctor. You may be part of this Kwik Trip Del Monte cyclospora outbreak.
