The FDA has confirmed the presence of cyclospora in a salad mix produced by Fresh Express and sold to McDonald’s. McDonald’s salads are a possible source of a cyclospora outbreak that has sickened at least 286 people in 15 states and has hospitalized 11. The number of illnesses has not been updated in this most recent update.
The analysis was completed in July 26, 2018 using a “new laboratory method.” The FDA set up a multidisciplinary workgroup in 2015 to privatize the development, validation, and implementation of a method for detecting cyclospora in fresh produce.
The Fresh Express salad mixes in question, containing romaine lettuce and carrots, expired on July 19, 2018. The romaine lettuce was not packaged for retail sale to consumers. And the carrots in the sampled salad mix only went to McDonald’s.
This potentially contaminated product was also distributed by Caito Foods. The USDA issued a public health alert about Caito Foods beef, pork, and poultry salad and wrap products on July 30, 2018, and a recall was issued. The chopped romaine lettuce used in those products was recalled by Fresh Express.
Attorney Fred Pritzker, who is representing clients in the McDonald’s and Del Monte cyclospora outbreaks, can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
Food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker, who has filed lawsuits in the McDonald’s cyclospora outbreak, said, “Our clients are sick through no fault of their own. No one should get sick just because they chose to eat a salad for lunch.”
McDonald’s used the Fresh Express salad mix at restaurants in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Missouri. They replaced the supplier of salads in those states in mid-July.
The symptoms of cyclosporiasis include explosive, frequent, and watery diarrhea, along with weight loss, stomach cramps and pain, loss of appetite, increased gas, nausea, body aches, vomiting, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms can recur for months without treatment. If you have eaten a salad at McDonald’s and have been experience these symptoms, see your doctor.
