At least 200 people have gotten sick from a parasite outbreak linked to Del Monte veggie trays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. The company has recalled various sizes of clear, plastic vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip. The veggie trays in question have an expiration date of June 17, 2018, or earlier, so they should be removed from store shelves by now regardless.
As of July 5, the CDC was notified of 212 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in individuals who reportedly consumed the pre-packaged veggie trays. Most people who were infected bought the veggies at Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa from late May to early June. The product has already been recalled in those three states, and in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, as well.
Cyclosporiasis is a severe intestinal infection caused by a single-celled parasite called cyclospora cayetanensis. Per the CDC, Cyclospora is spread by ingesting something such as food or water that was contaminated with feces. Typically the time lapse between becoming infected and getting sick is about one week. Some people do not ever show any symptoms. Usually, though, the infection causes watery diarrhea with "frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements."
Loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue are also common symptoms. Sometimes vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may occur as well. At least seven people have been hospitalized from this particular outbreak.
If you do still have any of the recalled vegetable trays, throw them away. If you're experiencing any symptoms, contact your doctor.
PRE-ORDER NOW Delish Cookbook, indiebound.org
