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To view the full sized graphic about the transmission and life cycle of Cyclospora parasites, please click on the image.

Public health officials have confirmed that dozens of more people have parasitic infections linked to trays of fresh, pre-cut vegetables that Del Monte Fresh Produce recalled in mid-June. 

The case count stands at 185, having increased by more than 100 since the outbreak was announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on June 15. Seven people have been so sick that they had to be admitted to hospitals. 

Additional people are likely to be added to the CDC’s case count. It usually takes 2 to 14 days after a person ingests the Cyclospora parasite for symptoms to develop. Specialized lab tests are required to confirm cyclosporiasis. Lab results must be confirmed and then reported to state officials who send reports to the CDC.

“Illnesses that began after May 17 might not have been reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported,” according to the CDC’s outbreak update. The CDC’s initial outbreak report and both since then have reported that most of the infected people said they ate items from Del Monte fresh vegetable trays.

Del Monte has recalled 6-ounce, 12-ounce, and 28-ounce vegetable trays containing pre-cut fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots and dill dip. Recalled products were sold in clear, plastic clamshell containers. All of the recalled products had best-by dates of June 17 or before.

The multi-national produce company reported it distributed the recalled products to a number of retailers, including Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket, and Peapod. The CDC continues to urge consumers to check their homes for unused portions of the recalled products and to discard them immediately.

State and federal officials continue to investigate the outbreak, but they have not yet determined the source of the parasites.

“(The Food and Drug Administration) has not identified which of the ingredients is the vehicle for this outbreak; each component of these vegetable trays is under consideration. FDA is currently reviewing distribution and supplier information related to the vegetable trays; the investigation is ongoing,” according to the FDA’s most recent update.

Anyone who has eaten anything contained on the recalled fresh vegetable trays and becomes ill should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to the Cyclospora parasite. Specific tests are required to confirm infection.

The parasite infects the small intestine and typically causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, stools, according to the CDC. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal cramping/bloating, increased flatus, nausea, and prolonged fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. 

If untreated, the illness may last for a few days to a month or longer and may follow a remitting-relapsing course. The symptoms can be mistaken for flu or other viral infections. 

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New parasitic infections linked to Del Monte brand pre-cut fresh vegetables continue to be reported even though the multi-national company initiated a recall on June 8.

At least 144 people are confirmed to be infected by Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, according to an outbreak update posted June 21 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

However, in Wisconsin, where the vast majority of the infected people live, public health officials report 149 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis. In all of 2017 Wisconsin had only 23 laboratory confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection.

“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.

It isn’t unusual for there to be lag time between when state officials receive confirmed test results and when they are reported to the CDC, regardless of the foodborne pathogen involved.

“Illnesses that began after May 10 might not have been reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported,” according to the CDC outbreak update.

The CDC and state officials continue to warn consumers and retailers not to eat or sell anything on the recalled Del Monte vegetable trays, which containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip. The recalled products had various best-by dates, but the latest date was June 17.

Investigators from the Food and Drug Administration have not yet identified which of the ingredients in the vegetable trays is the vehicle for this outbreak. The agency is checking each component of the products. Also, FDA is reviewing distribution and supplier information related to the vegetable trays.

Washing or other cleaning processes may not be sufficient to eliminate the parasite from fresh produce or other raw foods, according to the FDA.

Kwik Trip and Kwik Star stores in five states sold the 6-ounce and 12-ounce Del Monte vegetable trays that are implicated in the outbreak. Those states are Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to the recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. Additionally, Del Monte recalled “small veggie trays” that were distributed to unidentified retailers in Illinois and Indiana. Those 28-ounce trays also includes broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery and dill dip.

In addition to the Kwik Trip and Kwik Star locations, Del Monte reported to the FDA that it also distributed the implicated vegetable trays to Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket and Peapod. 

Symptom onset for the cases included in the CDC’s tally as of June 21 ranged from May 14 through June 8. The victims range in age from 20 to 79 years old. Six people have been so sick they had to be admitted to hospitals. No deaths have been reported. Most of the sick people reported eating Del Monte brand pre-cut vegetables in pre-packaged trays, the CDC reported.

Advice to consumers
Anyone who has eaten any items from the recalled Del Monte vegetable and dip trays and developed symptoms of cyclosporiasis should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to Cyclospora parasites.

Symptoms usually include 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 with Cyclospora parasites do not have any symptoms. 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, making diagnosis difficult.

“The Cyclospora parasite needs time — days to weeks — after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person,” according to the FDA notice. “Therefore, it is unlikely that cyclosporiasis is passed directly from one person to another.”

Cyclospora parasites can contaminate foods or beverages, but in the United States they are most often found on fresh produce. A spike in U.S. cases has been recorded during the summer months in recent years among people who consumed fresh cilantro from Mexico.

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Del Monte is recalling freshcut vegetable trays because they are the suspected to be the source of a parasite that has sickened at least 78 people across four states.

The vegetable trays were identified by public health departments in Wisconsin and Minnesota a week ago as the likely source for the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. At that time, the states urged consumers to not eat the fresh, pre-cut Del Monte vegetables.

Photo illustration

Federal officials reported Friday night that Del Monte Fresh Produce Inc. is recalling three sizes of vegetable trays containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip. The multinational company distributed the pre-cut vegetables in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“On June 8, 2018, Del Monte withdrew their 6-ounce and 12-ounce vegetable trays from retail market locations, and they are not currently available for purchase,” according to an outbreak notice posted Friday night by the Food and Drug Administration.

“However, consumers who purchased these trays before the withdrawal may still have product in their homes since the expiration date is June 17, 2018, or earlier. The 28-ounce vegetable trays that were distributed to Illinois and Indiana are being recalled as of June 15, 2018.”

Del Monte distributed the recalled vegetable trays to: Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket and Peapod in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, according to the FDA notice. All of the recalled products have “Best If Enjoyed By” dates of June 17 or earlier.

The FDA had not identified which of the ingredients included on the vegetable trays is the vehicle for the Cyclospora parasites. All of the vegetables, the dip and all of its ingredients are under consideration, FDA reported Friday night. The agency is reviewing distribution and supplier information related to the vegetable trays as part of its ongoing investigation.

As of midnight EDT, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had not posted any information about the outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses, but the FDA and state officials reported they are working with the CDC on the investigation.

All 78 of the sick people have had laboratory tests that confirmed they had been infected by the parasite, according to the FDA notice.

The specific product information for the recalled vegetable and dip trays, as provided by Del Monte, is as follows:

Product Name Best By date Components UPC Code

Del Monte 6 oz.
Veg Tray w/dip

 6/17/2018 Baby carrots, broccoli,
cauliflower and dill dip		 7 1752472715 2

Del Monte 12 oz.
Veg Tray w/dip		 6/17/2018 Baby carrots, broccoli,
cauliflower and dill dip		 7 1752472518 9
Del Monte 28 oz.
Small Veg Tray w/dip		 6/17/2018 Baby carrots, broccoli,
cauliflower, celery sticks and dill dip		 7 1752478604 3


Wisconsin hit hard
In Wisconsin, “dozens of cases are being reported daily,” according to a Friday update from the state’s health department. The vast majority of 98 confirmed cases of Cyclospora illnesses in Wisconsin so far this year had symptom onset dates after May 29. In all of 2017 the state had only 23 laboratory-confirmed cases.

“Of people with completed interviews, 50 of 63 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 update from the Wisconsin Department of Health.

To view the full sized graphic about the transmission and life cycle of Cyclospora parasites, please click on the image.

Two outbreaks in Minnesota
Twenty of the people sick with Cyclosporiasis are from Minnesota, according to a news release from that state’s health department that was also posted Friday. The FDA did not report a state-by-state breakdown on the number of cases. Such outbreak details are generally tracked and reported by the CDC.

The Minnesota Department of Health is also investigating what officials there believe to be an unrelated outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses among people who ate at who ate at Sonora Grill in Minneapolis in mid-May. As of Friday, 17 patrons reported illnesses. The restaurant is “fully cooperating” with the health department’s investigation. Minnesota officials do not have any indication that there is an ongoing risk to customers of Sonora Grill.

To better identify the source of parasitic infections, Minnesota outbreak investigators want to speak with anyone who ate at Sonora Grill during the weekend of May 18-May 20, regardless of whether they became ill.

“Even if you have not been sick, your information can help us identify what may have caused these illnesses and prevent future illnesses,” said Trisha Robinson, an epidemiologist supervisor with MDH. 

“If you ate at Sonora Grill during that weekend of May 18-20, please contact the Minnesota Department of Health Waterborne Diseases Unit at 651-201-4891.” 

Advice to consumers
Anyone who has eaten any items from the recalled Del Monte vegetable and dip trays and developed symptoms of cyclosporiasis should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about their possible exposure to Cyclospora parasites.

Symptoms usually include 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 with Cyclospora parasites do not have any symptoms. 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, making diagnosis difficult.

“The Cyclospora parasite needs time — days to weeks — after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person,” according to the FDA notice. “Therefore, it is unlikely that cyclosporiasis is passed directly from one person to another.”

Cyclospora parasites can contaminate foods or beverages, but in the United States they are most often found on fresh produce. A spike in U.S. cases has been recorded during the summer months in recent years among people who consumed fresh cilantro from Mexico.

Consumers who bought the recalled Del Monte vegetable and dip trays in the outbreak states discard the products immediately. Washing or other cleaning processes may not be sufficient to eliminate the parasite from fresh produce or other raw foods, according to the FDA.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the Minnesota Department of Health, and local health departments are investigating an increase of Cyclospora infections.

Photo illustration

To date, 11 ill patients in Wisconsin and three in Minnesota have reported purchasing a vegetable tray from a Wisconsin or Minnesota Kwik Trip location before their illness. The La Crosse, WI-based Kwik Trip, and Kwik Star is a chain of convenience stores founded in 1965 with locations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota under the name Kwik Trip, and in northeast Iowa under the name Kwik Star.

The Del Monte vegetable trays sold at Kwik Trip contained broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip and may have been available at other retail locations.  Further details on distribution are pending.

Consumers should not eat the following products:

• Del Monte Vegetable Tray (containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip) 6 oz.
• Del Monte Vegetable Tray (containing broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and dill dip) 12 oz.

Kwik Trip is cooperating with state officials and voluntarily removed this product from their stores.

Cyclospora is a parasite commonly found in developing countries. People diagnosed with this infection in the U.S. often report having traveled; however, during the summer months, outbreaks and illnesses occur as a result of contaminated fresh produce entering the U.S. food market from endemic countries.

Symptoms of Cyclospora infection include:

• Frequent watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Cramping, bloating, and/or increased gas
• Nausea (vomiting is less frequent)
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

Anyone experiencing any one of these symptoms should see a health care provider who can provide appropriate treatment. It may take a week after consuming the product for symptoms to begin. State health officials are continuing to conduct interviews with individuals who test positive for Cyclospora. Ill consumers are also encouraged to contact their local health department.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional information may be forthcoming.

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You’ve gotta give it to those marketing magicians at Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. Back in the 1990s when they introduced the phrase “golden extra sweet pineapple” they stated the obvious with fabulous flair. I can’t help myself. I have to write down the entire phrase when drafting a shopping list.

That brilliance will no doubt be eclipsed when the multi-national company begins marketing its genetically engineered, pink-fleshed version of the fruit with the tagline “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple” — as approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

beach-beatYep, that’s right, the FDA has signed off on Del Monte’s “EF2-114 pineapple” aka the “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple.”

The gestation period for the agency’s approval was 22 months, with the Coral Gables, FL, company having submitted its request for FDA evaluation in February 2015. That term will no doubt generate a lot of action in the comment section below about how our government hasn’t sufficiently researched the potential impact of the lab-modified plants.

But the people behind the golden Del Monte shield have been working on the pink version of their money-maker since at least 2005, no doubt with government regulations in one hand and their test tubes in the other. Regardless where you come down in the GMO debate, you’ve gotta believe corporations are at least as familiar with the danger zones GMO regulators will be watching as they are with the tax code.

In 2011 the government in Costa Rica, where the GMO pink pineapple has been in the R&D stages, gave Del Monte permission to expand its plantings of the fruit there.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture OK’d the genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered tropical fruit in January 2013.

At that time I was reporting for The Packer, a trade newspaper covering fresh produce and Del Monte’s marketing vice president Dennis Cristou told me the pink-fleshed pineapple was in a testing phase and years away from U.S. grocery store shelves.

He told me the variety had a working name of “Rosé” and I remember thinking that ad campaign could write itself.

A Rosé by any other name, though — be it EF2-114 or “extra sweet pink flesh” — is still genetically modified in the eyes of many consumers, and I imagine the pleasantly pink pineapples will face the same opposition that the non-browning Arctic Apple and recently approved “PPO_KO,” “X17” and “Y9” non-browning potatoes have seen on comment sections across the World Wide Web.

So at the risk of stirring the pot, here’s a bit of what we know about the “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple” from Del Monte Fresh Produce Co., which is still likely years away from a grocery store near you. If you want to read the scientific terms used by the feds, click on the links in the following paragraphs.

Del Monte’s in the pink, according to the FDA and USDA

Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. has not release photographs of the GMO pink-fleshed pineapple. Photo illustration
Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. has not released photographs of the GMO pink-fleshed pineapple. Photo illustration

FDA scientists concluded that there were no unresolved safety or regulatory issues under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for the genetically engineered pink flesh pineapple.

Although Del Monte will market this pineapple in the United States, the company is not planning on growing it here.

The new pineapple has been genetically engineered — with tangerine genes — to produce lower levels of the enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene.

“Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed,” according to FDA’s letter.

Fruit from the Del Monte Rosé pineapple cultivar does not have the ability to propagate and persist in the environment once they have been harvested.

In documents filed with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Del Monte reported 65 percent of the pineapple it imports to the U.S. is sold to the fresh sector. About 15 percent goes to fresh-cut, with the balance sent to juice and frozen food processors.

The new genetically modified pink variety is eventually planned to be sold in the same channels and at about the same percentages, according to the documents filed with USDA.

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Freshpoint Vancouver Ltd. is recalling Del Monte and Sysco Imperial Fresh brand cantaloupes because of possible Salmonella contamination. Fresh cantaloupe with juicy chunks ready to be eaten Consumers should not consume and retailers, hotels, restaurants and institutions should not sell, serve or use the recalled melons, according to the Feb. 18 recall notice on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website. “Food contaminated with Salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Consumers who are unsure if they have the affected cantaloupes are advised to check with their retailer,” according to the notice. This recall was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Salmonella is particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems who may contract serious and sometimes deadly infections. Healthy people may experience short-term symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Long-term complications may include severe arthritis, according to CFIA. The recalled cantaloupe can be identified as follows:

  • Del Monte brand cantaloupe sold individually through Feb. 18, PLU code 4050;
  • Del Monte brand cantaloupe sold in 12-count cases, Lot 360012, no UPC number; and
  • Sysco Imperial Fresh brand cantaloupe sold in 3-count packs, Lot 127 12 035 5, no UPC number.

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The Giant Eagle grocery chain based in Pittsburgh, PA, has recalled its Giant Eagle Apple Pistachio Salad and Apple Pistachio Salad with Chicken because the salads may contain fresh cut Gala red apples currently recalled by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. To date, Giant Eagle has received no reports of customer illnesses associated with this recall. Del Monte previously distributed a press release regarding the recall of pre-cut Gala red apples and named Giant Eagle as one of the recipients of the affected product under the Giant Eagle label. The salad items may have been sold in Pennsylvania and Ohio Giant Eagle locations from Nov. 29 through Dec. 9, 2014, with sell-by dates of Dec. 1 through Dec. 11. Labels attached to the product packaging bear the names “Apple Pistachio Salad” and “Apple Pistachio Salad With Chicken.” Sell-by dates of Dec. 1 through Dec. 11 can be found directly underneath the product names. Upon notification from Del Monte, Giant Eagle immediately removed all potentially affected product from the prepared foods areas and also implemented a register block to ensure that the product was not inadvertently purchased. Additionally, the company reached out to customers who had purchased the potentially affected product and updated telephone contact information in the Giant Eagle Advantage Card loyalty program. Customers who have purchased the affected product should dispose of it or return it to their local Giant Eagle store where they will receive a refund. Consumers may also call Del Monte at 1-800-659-6500 (operating 24 hours a day). The affected Del Monte fresh-cut Gala red apples were distributed to retailers in multiple states in the northeast U.S. and are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The recall is being implemented because samples of red apple slices produced by Del Monte and collected by the Division of Food Safety of the Ohio Department of Agriculture tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. FDA was notified on Dec. 9.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. (“Del Monte Fresh”) announced Wednesday the voluntary recall of fresh-cut fruit products containing Gala red apples grown in Pennsylvania. The affected products were distributed to a limited number of customers in a few states in the northeast U.S. and are being recalled because these apples have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The fresh-cut red apples have a red-colored skin. The recalled fresh-cut fruit packages containing red apples were distributed for sale in clear plastic containers with one of the following labels and markings:

Finished Product Descriptor Package size/Weight BIUB Retailer Brand/Label  Lot Number Product Quantities
Red/Green Apples W/Dip 9 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Plain Transparent Label 2332101 50
Gala Apples 12 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Plain Transparent Label 2332101 20
Apple W/Dip 24 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 62
Apple Tray W/Dip 24 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Plain Transparent Label 2332101 6
Red/Green Apples W/Dip 5 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 8
Red Apple Slices 12 oz 12/7/2014 Amazon Del Monte 2332101 6
Red/Green Apples W/Dip 5 oz 12/7/2014 Amazon Del Monte 2332101 6
Pineapple Medley 16 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 156
Pineapple Medley 8 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 114
Apples/Grapes/Cheese 7 oz 12/6/2014 Sunoco Nature Made 2332101 96
Gala Apples 12 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Plain Transparent Label 2332101 2
Gourmet Bowl 64 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Plain Transparent Label 2332101 4
Pineapple Medley 16 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Del Monte 2332101 6
Pineapple Medley 8 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Del Monte 2332101 4
Snack Pack 7 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 14
Apples/Grapes/Cheese 7 oz 12/6/2014 Peters Nature Made 2332101 108
Red Apple With Caramel 5 oz 12/8/2014 Peters Del Monte 2332101 60
Gourmet Bowl 40 oz 12/6/2014 Amazon Del Monte 2332101 3
Red Apples/Grapes/ Cheese/Dip 7 oz 12/6/2014 Amazon Nature Made 2332101 6
Gourmet Bowl 64 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 120
Pineapple Medley 32 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 128
Apple Cinnamon Yogurt 6.5 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 44
Gourmet Fruit Bowl 4 Lbs 12/3/2014 Wegmans Wegmans 2332101 78
Gourmet Fruit Bowl 4 Lbs 12/3/2014 Wegmans Wegmans 2332101 50
Red Apple Gala 12 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 142
Red and Green Apple With Dip 24 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 56
Apple with Dip 24 oz 12/8/2014 Giant Eagle Plain Transparent Label 2332101 14
Gourmet Bowl 64 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 60
Pineapple Medley 32 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 80
Pineapple Medley 16 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 4
Pineapple Medley 8 oz 12/6/2014 Giant Eagle Farmer’s Market – Giant Eagle 2332101 140
Red Apple With Cheese 5 oz 12/6/2014 Sheetz Sheetz M-T-O 2332101 48
Apples/Carrots/ Cheese with Dip 7 oz 12/8/2014 Sheetz Sheetz M-T-O 2332101 156
Harvest Blend 4 oz 12/6/2014 7-Eleven 7-Eleven 2332101 1200

The voluntary recall of the fresh-cut fruit products containing red apples is being implemented as a result of a random test by the Division of Food Safety of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and FDA was advised on Dec. 9, 2014. Although no illnesses have been reported to date, Del Monte Fresh voluntarily decided to recall the potentially affected lot. Consumers who believe that they are in possession of the fresh-cut fruit products containing the affected red apples should dispose of the products in an appropriate waste container. For any inquiries, consumers may call 1-800-659-6500 (operating 24 hours a day) or email Del Monte Fresh at Contact-US-Executive-Office@freshdelmonte.com. Listeriosis symptoms may include fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal distress, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. recalled some of its fresh-cut fruit packages containing mangoes from Mexico’s Agricola Daniella because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Dell Monte said its recall was associated with Coast Distributors Inc., one of four importers supplying the Mexican grown Agricola Daniella brand mangoes to customers in the U.S. Del Monte in turn distributed the recalled mangoes to retailers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee. The recalled fresh cut fruit packages are in clear plastic bowls.  Product details can be found here. Splendid Products of Burlingame, CA first recalled Daniella brand mangoes in the U.S. because they were associated with 25 Salmonella Braenderup illnesses in 25 states.  Three other distributors have now joined the recall.

Del Monte Fresh Produce has withdrawn its threatened lawsuit against the Oregon Public Health Division and its senior epidemiologist, who with other public health officials last year  traced a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infection to cantaloupes imported from the company’s Asuncion Mita farm in Guatemala.

The news was reported by Lynne Terry of The Oregonian. She wrote that Del Monte Fresh Produce notified the state earlier this month that it would not go forward with legal action against William Keene and his department.

Del Monte Fresh Produce had announced its threat in a news release in August, claiming that “misleading allegations” had been made in naming the Guatemalan cantaloupes as the likely source of Salmonella infection that sickened at least 20 people, and sent three to the hospital. The case patients were from Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington.

Twelve of 16 ill people had reported eating cantaloupe in the week before they became ill, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on the outbreak investigation. Eleven of those 12 people had purchased cantaloupes from eight different Costco stores and traceback information indicated the melons were from a single farm — Asuncion Mita in Guatemala.

Del Monte Fresh Produce voluntarily recalled the Guatemalan cantaloupes on March 22, 2011 after it was notified of the epidemiological link between the melons the outbreak of Salmonella Panama infection.

But when the Food and Drug Administration banned further cantaloupe imports from the company’s Guatemalan farm, Del Monte Fresh Produce sued the FDA and got it to back down on the import alert. It also claimed it was wrongly blamed for the outbreak.

Food safety experts and consumer activists predicted the case targeting Oregon Public Health — recognized for its food safety leadership — would not go far, but said they saw the complaint filed by Del Monte Fresh Produce as an attempt to intimidate public health programs across the country.

Dr. Katrina Hedberg, Oregon state epidemiologist, told The Oregonian that dealing with the tort claim had been time-consuming, so it was a relief when it was withdrawn and they could resume focusing on their job — protecting the public’s health.

The claim was unprecedented, Terry noted:

State epidemiologists investigate dozens of foodborne illness outbreaks every year and name the culprits to prevent more people from getting sick. No other company has ever filed a suit or threatened to sue Oregon over one of those investigations.


“There have been lots of outbreaks,” Hedberg said. “Why some companies choose to work with public health and others want to fight it — I can’t answer that.”

A Del Monte Fresh Produce spokesman declined to comment, telling Terry the company “does not comment on ongoing or closed investigations.”