This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
Published on June 29, 2020, the CDC reported that over 200 people in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin had lab-confirmed infections of cyclosporiasis after consuming the salad mixes.
At least 23 people were hospitalized for the illness, but no deaths were reported. The CDC urged consumers and retailers not to eat, sell, or serve four different salad kits produced by Fresh Express in Streamwood, Illinois.
The recalled products include Marketside-brand Classic Iceberg Salad, sold at Walmart stores with use-by dates of May 19 through July 4, and Little Salad Bar-brand Garden Salad, sold at Aldi stores with use-by dates of May 1 through June 29.
Additionally, Jewel-Osco Signature Farms-brand Garden Salad with use-by dates of May 16 through July 4 and Hy-Vee-brand Garden Salad with any use-by date were also recalled.
Fresh Express announced a separate voluntary recall of dozens of products produced in Streamwood that contain iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots, after learning from the FDA that the products may be linked to the outbreak.
People began getting sick from May 11 to June 17, according to the CDC. They range in age from 16 to 92 years old, with more than half being women and girls.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue.
The CDC noted that bagged salad mixes purchased at Aldi, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, and Walmart do not explain all of the illnesses in this outbreak, and that it and the FDA continue to investigate to determine whether other products are a source of illnesses.
