FDA Commissioner Scott Gottleib is addressing how that agency is trying to prevent cyclospora outbreaks in the wake of two specific outbreaks this year that sickened more than 650 people in the U.S. In total, 2,173 cases of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis were reported this spring and summer. Gottlieb said that a new testing program found the parasite in American-grown cilantro this year. That's the first time the parasite was confirmed on domestically grown produce. A new FDA laboratory testing method then confirmed the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis in salad mix distributed by Fresh Express and sold to consumers in McDonald's salads. The Foodborne Parasitology Research Program created a new, more sensitive method to identify the parasite called Real-Time Polymerase Chain … [Read more...]
Will Del Monte Cyclospora Outbreak Continue to Grow? Lawyer Explains
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. "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. … [Read more...]
