Over 200 Infected By Parasite From Del Monte Vegetables; Cases Reported in Minnesota + Wisconsin

Del Monte vegetable trays sold at Kwik Trips in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as other retailers, are to blame for infecting over 200 people with the intestinal infection cyclosporiasis, which is caused by the cyclospora parasite and can cause explosive bowel movements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Infections had announced a recall of the products in question on June 15, but illnesses have occurred in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan and seven people have been hospitalized.

Here are details of the recall, courtesy of the CDC:

• The Del Monte Fresh Produce recalled are the 6 oz., 12 oz., and 28 oz. vegetable trays containing fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip. The products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers.
• Recalled products were distributed to the following stores: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket, and Peapod.
• Recalled products have a “Best If Enjoyed By” date of June 17, 2018.
• The recalled 6 oz. Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable tray has a UPC code of 7 1752472715 2 found on the package label.
• The recalled 12 oz. Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable tray has a UPC code of 7 1752472518 9 found on the package label.
• The recalled 28 oz. Del Monte Fresh Produce small vegetable tray has a UPC code of 7 1752478604 3 found on the package label.

If you still have any of these trays in your refrigerator, throw them out immediately.

The CDC reports that cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.