Del Monte Recall In Illinois Due To Parasite Outbreak

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported Del Monte is recalling 28-ounce “small veggie trays,” which include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery and dill dip, that were distributed to Illinois and several other Midwestern states. The trays are believed to be the source of a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness.

According to IDPH, you should throw out out the vegetable tray if you have already purchased it, as they are no longer on store shelves.

IDPH said The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of cyclosporiasis illnesses associated with recalled Del Monte vegetable trays, though no illnesses have been reported in Illinois.

Other states have reported 78 cases of illness due to Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite of humans. According to the FDA, when the parasite contaminates food or water and is then ingested, it can cause an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. The Cyclospora parasite needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person, so it's unlikely that cyclosporiasis is passed directly from one person to another.

Symptoms include diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements, according to the FDA. 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.If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times, the FDA said.

IDPH said Del Monte reports the recalled products are: six-, 120, and 28-ounce vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip, that were distributed to Potash Markets and Peapod in Illinois. Other locations include Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Meehan’s, Country Market and FoodMax Supermarket in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin with a “Best If Enjoyed By” date of June 17, 2018 or earlier.

Only 28-ounce vegetable trays were distributed in Illinois.

More information can be found on the FDA website.

Photos via FDA