Cyclospora Outbreak Leads to Recall of Salads Sold a Wal-Mart and Aldi
Cyclospora Outbreak Leads to Recall of Salads Sold a Wal-Mart and Aldi
More Fresh Express salads have been recalled after additional Cyclospora infections potentially linked to these products have been confirmed. According to a USA Today news report, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the number of reported cases grew to 206 with 23 hospitalizations. The agencies have advised consumers to avoid select salads sold at Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee, Aldo and Jewel-Osco stores.
Details of the Recall
The FDA states that all of the recalled salads were manufactured by a Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois. Fresh Express issued a voluntary recall of dozens of branded and private-label salad products produced at the facility that contains iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and/or carrot ingredients.
Hy-Vee announced that it was recalling 12 additional salads across its eight-state region due to potential Cyclospora contamination. Marketside Classic Iceberg salads sold at Wal-Mart are also part of the recall. The total recall includes 80 different salads in various sizes. The products have been used by or before dates ranging from June 25th through July 14th. Anyone who has these salads at home is urged not to eat them and to discard them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes intestinal illness and is usually transmitted through food and water. Symptoms may begin a week or more after consuming the contaminated food or water. Some of the common symptoms include diarrhea with explosive bowel movements, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, nausea, gas and fatigue. Those afflicted may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. The illness could last anywhere from a few days to a few months and is typically treated with antibiotics.
If You Have Been Affected
If you have become ill after consuming a tainted food product, it is important that you take certain steps to protect your legal rights. First, make sure you receive prompt medical attention, treatment and care for your illness. Document the number of workdays you missed as a result of your illness and save the receipt of the meal you had at the restaurant.
If you have any leftover food, isolate it, and preserve it so it can be examined at an independent laboratory for the presence of pathogens. Inform your local healthcare agency, which keeps track of these types of illnesses. Contact an experienced food poisoning lawyer who can help you secure compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
