MICHIGAN ~ Multiple food items are being recalled due to Salmonella outbreaks across the country, as Michigan’s Cyclospora outbreak continues to grow.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recalled over 1.5 million eggs sold in the Southern U.S. from brands such as Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Cal-Maine, and Country Morning. Recalls have also been issued for jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors that have caused over 300 Salmonella cases in 27 states, including Michigan. Walmart also issued recalls this week for Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter after recent Salmonella tests came back positive.
Michigan continues to struggle the most under a multi-state Cyclospora outbreak, with 12,218 cases reported and two confirmed deaths due to the parasite. Produce supplier Taylor Farms, which sells lettuce to some Taco Bell locations, is seen as the likely culprit by the Food and Drug Administration. Taylor Farms chose to recall the lettuce, and Taco Bell has stopped serving lettuce from Taylor Farms. Most of the Michigan cases are concentrated in the southeast, with 15 states linking the outbreak to Taylor Farms.
However, federal and state health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak.
Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis, is commonly spread by food or water contaminated with feces. In recent years, outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. as a result of eating contaminated fresh produce, especially during the summer months. Cyclosporiasis is not known to spread from person to person. Symptoms occur two to 14 days after exposure and may include extended and watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and mild fevers.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to advise consumers to discard or return recalled iceberg lettuce and to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop after consuming potentially contaminated food. To help avoid any illness from Cyclospora or other harmful bacteria or organisms, public health officials recommend the following:
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking.
- Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
- Cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible.
- Cook when you can, since heating food to 158°F or higher kills Cyclospora.
