Will the Del Monte Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened at least 212 people, mostly in Minnesota and Wisconsin this summer, continue to grow? Attorney and food safety expert Fred Pritzker, who is representing many clients with lawsuits in this outbreak, explains that the answer may be yes.
At least 152 people in Wisconsin and 54 people in Minnesota are sick in this outbreak. At least 2 people are ill in Michigan, and five in Iowa. While these numbers are current as of July 5, 2018., any illnesses that began after May 24, 2018 may not have been reported to government officials yet.
You can reach attorney Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
“It takes time for word of these cases to reach public health officials,” Fred said. “A person has to get sick, decide to visit a doctor, get tested, and then the test results must be evaluated. And doctors, especially in the upper Midwest, don’t routinely test for Cyclospora cayetanensis infections.
“The FDA and CDC have warned health care professionals in these states to be on the lookout for cyclosporiasis patients,” Fred added. “But it’s possible that some people who are part of this Del Monte cyclospora outbreak haven’t been diagnosed yet.”
Del Monte has recalled three different sizes of their Fresh Produce Vegetable Trays. The six ounce size has UPC number 7 1752472715 2; the 12 ounce size has UPC number 7 1752472518 9, and the 28 ounce size has UPC number 7 1752478604 3. These products were sold at these locations: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket, and Peapod in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
The “best if enjoyed by” dates on these products are June 17, 2018. But it’s possible that some people have frozen the vegetables in these products. Freezing does kill this parasite, but the food must be frozen for 24 to 48 hours at a temperature between 24.8°F and -4°F.
The symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea that is watery and explosive, abdominal cramps, gas, nausea, bloating, fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite. “If anyone is sick with these symptoms and they ate the recalled product, they should see their doctor,” Fred said. “This illness is treatable. Without treatment, people can be ill for months.”
