Four significant food poisoning outbreaks have occurred in May and June of 2018 in the U.S. Two Salmonella outbreaks and two cyclospora outbreaks have sickened more than 200 people and hospitalized dozens. Here’s what you need to know about the cyclospora outbreaks.
The first cyclospora outbreak has sickened 78 people. It is linked to Del Monte Vegetable Trays in three sizes that were sold at Kwik Trip/Kwik Star locations and several other stores in Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The retail outlets that may have carried this product include Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket and Peapod in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, according to the recall notice.
The case count in that outbreak is: Michigan (2), Iowa (3), Minnesota (23), and Wisconsin (50). All of those patients ate the Del Monte product before they got sick. The vegetables in those trays include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and celery.
The second cyclospora outbreak is linked to Sonora Grill in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At least 17 people are ill with cyclosporiasis. Those who are sick ate at that restaurant over the weekend of May 18 to May 20, 2018.
You an contact attorney Fred Pritzker by calling 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
Lawyer and food safety expert Fred Pritzker, who is representing patients in these outbreaks, said “Every summer there are cyclospora outbreaks in the U.S. Most of them are unsolved. Luckily, we know what products caused the multistate outbreak, so consumers are aware of the issue and can protect themselves.”
While cooking to 160°F will kill this parasite, the products most likely to be contaminated are fruits and vegetables, particularly soft fruits such as raspberries and leafy greens. Cleaning products may not destroy this pathogen. And freezing won’t destroy cyclospora, unless the product is frozen for days.
The symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent, explosive, and watery diarrhea, increased gas, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, and stomach pain. These symptoms usually develop about a week after exposure to the parasite. People can be sick for months if the infection is not treated.
If you purchased Del Monte Vegetable trays in 6 ounce, 12 ounce, or 28 ounce sizes from the stores listed, throw them away. Wash your hands well after handling this product. And if you have been experiencing watery diarrhea see your doctor. You may be part of these outbreaks.
