Reports of parasitic infections from Cyclospora have been linked to Del Monte brand pre-cut fresh vegetables, despite the national company's initial recall on June 8, according to Food Safety News.
So far, the infection has been confirmed in 144 people, according to an update posted June 21 by the CDC.
The main state hit by the Cyclospora outbreak is Wisconsin, where public health officials have confirmed 149 cases of cyclosporiasis since the beginning of this year.
"Of people with completed interviews (in the current outbreak), 106 of 115 cases report consuming a Del Monte vegetable tray purchased at a Kwik Trip location in Wisconsin. Most ill persons reported purchasing the tray on or after May 16," according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which also posted an outbreak update June 21.
The CDC assures it is unusual for there to be such a lag in time between when state officials confirmed test results and when they were reported to the CDC, no matter the foodborne pathogen involved.
Investigators from the FDA have yet to identify which ingredients within the vegetable trays is the main vehicle for the parasitic outbreak. The FDA is also investigating the distribution and supplier information related to the vegetables.
Washing or other types of cleaning may not be enough to eliminate the parasite from raw and fresh foods, according to a statement released by the FDA.
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