Parents strive to make healthy choices for family meals and bagged salad mixes have become a fresh “go-to” choice. But before reaching for those greens, make sure they’re safe.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that 641 people in 11 states might have been sickened by the Cyclospora parasite linked to Fresh Express bagged salad mixes. Outbreak reports in late June sparked an FDA investigation into the salad mixes, which have since been recalled and include carrots, red cabbage, and iceberg lettuce.
While health officials have confirmed illnesses, no one has died from exposure to the parasite. According to NBC News reporting, the bagged salad mixes were sold at “a variety of chain supermarkets including ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart in 31 states and Washington, D.C.”
Stores in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia sold the recalled products.
The recalled salad mixes have a product code beginning with Z178 or a lower number. Bags marked with up to a July 14 “best buy” date have been recalled. Consumers should immediately discard any bags with those identifying markers. Some of the salad mixes were sold under the Fresh Express brand. Others were marked as store brands, including ALDI Little Salad Bar, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco Signature Farms, ShopRite Wholesome Pantry, and Walmart Marketside.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Cyclospora can infect the small intestine and can cause extreme diarrhea and explosive bowel movements. Other symptoms might include stomach pain, nausea, and fatigue. Some people who come into contact with the parasite may not experience symptoms, while others might require medical attention or hospitalization, particularly for dehydration. Symptoms may take up to two weeks to develop.
For family members who might have been exposed to the parasite, it’s essential that affected individuals not have any contact with areas where food is prepared. Aggressive personal hygiene is also recommended, including frequent hand washing. To further avoid spread, unaffected adults should clean surfaces, dishes, and raw foods thoroughly.
Exposure to Cyclospora may present as food poisoning, but it’s a bit more serious. However, antibiotics have proven to treat the illness effectively. So, if any family member has eaten salad mixes produced by Fresh Express within the last few weeks and has experienced severe intestinal symptoms, contact a physician for treatment options and more information.
The FDA is continuing its trackback investigation and will provide updates as they become available.
In the meantime, try mitigating risks by buying local produce, thoroughly washing raw foods, or planting an edible garden. And kids who love science and learning at home, a product recall provides many teachable moments to explore science, agriculture, gardening, and current events.
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