8-state cyclospora outbreak gets lettuce products sold at Walmart, other stores recalled
More than 60 bagged lettuce products sold under the Fresh Express brand or as the store brands of Walmart, Aldi, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco and others have been recalled as the FDA and CDC contend with a cyclospora outbreak.
As of Monday’s update, the outbreak has sickened 206 people, 23 of whom have been hospitalized, over eight states in the Midwest: Illinois (57), Missouri (10), Iowa (74), Kansas (one), Minnesota (25), Nebraska (20), North Dakota (6) and Wisconsin (13).
Once the cyclospora parasite enters the body via food or drink, it brings diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomachaches, nausea, body aches and fatigue. It’s treated with antibiotics.
Monday, the FDA said it believes the root of the problem to be at Fresh Express’ Streamwood, Illinois, production facility. So, here’s how to identify what’s recalled:
▪ All Fresh Express, Walmart Marketside, Aldi Little Salad bar, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, Jewel-Osco Signature Farms and ShopRite Wholesome Pantry products with iceberg lettuce, red cabbage or carrots and with a product code Z178 or lower. The product code is on the front of the package in the upper, right-hand corner.
A chart of these products can be found here.
▪ Hy-Vee cleared the shelves, recalling all product codes of Southwest Chopped Salad Kit; Shredded Iceberg; Veggie Deluxe Salad; Greener Supreme Blend; American Blend Salad; Italian Blend Salad; Coleslaw Mix; Romaine Garden Salad; Asian Chopped Salad Kit; Sunflower Chopped Salad Kit; Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Kit; Garden Salad; Avocado Ranch Chopped Kit.
All recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Those with questions can call Fresh Express at 800-242-5472, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern time, Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 7:45 PM with the headline "8-state cyclospora outbreak gets lettuce products sold at Walmart, other stores recalled."
