Del Monte Veggie Tray Recall Issued In Response To Cyclospora Outbreak

An outbreak of cyclospora food poisoning has led to the recall of Del Monte vegetable trays distributed in several states. 

The FDA announced the Del Monte Fresh vegetable recall on June 15, following several reports of consumers becoming ill with Cyclosporiasis shortly after eating the recalled products.

The recalled veggie trays include mixed assortments of fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip. Consumers are being asked to stop consuming the products immediately and to properly discard them.

The products are marked with the name brand Del Monte and were sold in 6 ounce trays with UPC code 7 1752472715 2, 12 ounce trays with UPC code 7 1752472518 9, and 28 ounce trays with UPC code 7 1752478604 3.

The vegatables were processed by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. of Coral Gable, Florida, where they were distributed for sale in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Known grocery stores which received these potentially contaminated products include Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, Food Max Supermarket and Peapod in Illinois.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as Cyclosporiasis. The parasite is spread typically by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

Individuals experiencing the food poisoning illness typically suffer symptoms for about a week, which may include watery diarrhea, frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements, and loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pains, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. The CDC warns that infected persons also sometimes experience vomiting, body aches, headaches, fever and other symptoms that could be mistaken for the flu. However, some people infected with the parasite develop no symptoms.

The ailment is often treated with sulfa-based antibiotics, like Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim. The CDC warns that there are no alternative recommended treatments for patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs. The CDC also recommends victims get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

Customers are being asked to stop consuming the recalled products immediately and to properly discard them to prevent further contamination. If consumer are unsure or cannot confirm their vegetable trays are not included in the recall, the agency is recommending consumers to properly discard them. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact Del Monte Fresh customer service at 7-800-659-6500 or email them at Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com.