Recall
A grocery chain in Canada recalls Dole brand fresh blueberries because test results have shown contamination with the Cyclospora parasite.
The move by Save-On-Foods LP comes after Dole recalled blueberries nationwide in the United States. Neither the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) nor the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received any confirmed reports of infections as of June 25.
In Canada, Dole distributed the implicated blueberries in Alberta, British
According to the recall notice posted by the CFIA, Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and possibly nationally.
“Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below,” according to the recall notice. Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
“This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products.”
Food contaminated with the microscopic Cyclospora parasite may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. People infected with Cyclospora can experience a wide range of symptoms, including watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea. Some people do not get sick at all, while others suffer from a severe upset stomach. Few people get seriously ill.
Consumers can use the following information to determine whether they have the recalled products in their homes.
Details
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dole | Fresh Packed Blueberries |
170 g | 0 71430 01150 8 | 14632 15032 15046 15646 15648 |
| Dole | Fresh Packed Blueberries |
510 g | 0 71430 01154 6 | 14632 14732 15032 15046 15232 15446 15432 15646 15648 |
| Dole | Fresh Packed Blueberries |
1 pint | 0 71430 01151 5 | 15032 15046 15132 15148 15146 15232 15332 15646 15648 |
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. This parasite causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
How is Cyclospora spread?
Cyclospora is spread by people ingesting something—such as food or water—contaminated with feces (stool). Cyclosporiasis needs time (typically, at least 1–2 weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that it is passed directly from one person to another.
Who is at risk for Cyclospora infection?
People living or traveling in tropical or subtropical regions of the world may be at increased risk for infection because cyclosporiasis is endemic (found) in some countries in these zones. In the United States, foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been linked to various types of imported fresh produce. People can get infected with Cyclospora more than once.
What are the symptoms of Cyclospora infection?
The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Cyclosporiasis infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected do not have any symptoms.
How long can the symptoms last?
If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). It’s common to feel very tired.
What should I do if I think I might be infected with Cyclospora?
See your health care provider.
How is Cyclospora infection diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask you to submit stool specimens to see if you are infected. You might be asked to submit more than one specimen from different days. Identification of this parasite in stool requires special laboratory tests that are not routinely done. Therefore, if indicated, your health care provider should specifically request testing for Cyclospora. In addition, your health care provider might have your stool checked for other organisms that can cause similar symptoms.
How is Cyclospora infection treated?
The recommended treatment is a combination of two antibiotics, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also known as Bactrim*, Septra*, or Cotrim*. People who have diarrhea should also rest and drink plenty of fluids.
I am allergic to sulfa drugs; is there another drug I can take?
No highly effective alternative drugs have been identified yet for people with Cyclospora infection who cannot take sulfa drugs. See your health care provider discuss potential options.
How is Cyclospora infection prevented?
Avoiding food or water that might have been contaminated with stool may help prevent infection.
Consumers and retailers should always follow safe fruit and vegetable handling recommendations:
Wash: Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after handling or preparing fruits and vegetables. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and countertops with soap and hot water between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, and seafood products and the preparation of fruits and vegetables that will not be cooked.
Prepare: Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking. Fruits and vegetables that are labeled “prewashed” do not need to be rewashed at home. With a clean produce brush, scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, cut away any damaged or bruised areas on fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating.
Store: Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables as soon as possible or within 2 hours. Store fruits and vegetables away from raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
If you suspect that you might have worms or any other parasitic infection, purchase our Full GI Panel Test.
Our Full GI Panel consists of our Comprehensive Stool Analysis (CSA) and our Swab Culture. Combining these two tests provides full coverage screening of all intestinal pathogens and is recommended for anyone experiencing GI symptoms.
For treatment of parasitic infections, we recommend our Freedom, Cleanse, Restore Herbal Remedy.
Visit Parasitology Center inc. for more info.