Bagged Salad Recalled Due to Possible Parasite Contamination

A type of bagged salad called the Little Salad Bar Garden Salad, which contains red cabbage, carrots, and iceberg lettuce, has reportedly been voluntarily recalled as it is possibly contaminated with "cyclospora," a microscopic parasite.

When ingested, usually through contaminated vegetables and fruits that have not been washed, the "cyclospora" can lead to an infection known as "cyclosporiasis."

According to the health news site, Healthline, known symptoms of the said infection typically appear around seven days from consumption of the parasite. Such indications include cramping, bloating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the infection had been detected in numerous people from different locations such as Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, and Kansas.

Health, science, and nutrition experts claim that if the bagged salad is purchased during this "pandemic season," it should be tossed out immediately.

And, for those who ate the bagged salad and experience the symptoms mentioned, it is important to contact the doctor right away as there may be a need for a prescription of antibiotics.

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The Recall Inclusions

Health News reports said, "The recall includes all Little Salad Bar Garden Salads" products which are sold in both a red and clear bag containing mixed green vegetables which ALDI, a food retailer produced.

The product reports are referring to indicated "'used-by dates' from between May 16 and July 4, 2020." More so, the food products were delivered to stores located in said areas on top of South Dakota, North Dakota, and Michigan between May 1 and June 19 this year.

Relative to the recall, Hy-Vee, Aldi, and Jewel-Osco grocery stores sold the said bagged salad, and those who purchased them are advised to throw them away. 

The Disease

Infectious disease physician, Dr. Amesh Adalja, who is also a senior scholar for Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security said, "Cyclospora is a parasite" infecting the small intestine when consumed in "oocyst form."

Typically, symptoms start to occur about one week from the ingestion of contaminated food. However, the incubation period can differ, and it can even be as short as a day to up to 11 days.

Specifically, symptoms experienced include severe body aches, fatigue, and diarrhea, together with "gastrointestinal pain such as bloating and excess gas."

Adalja also describes the infection as characterized by watery diarrhea, seldom accompanied by abdominal cramps and fever.

Furthermore, infection is usually not life-threatening, and the majority of healthy adults can recover by themselves even without treatment.

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How 'Cyclospora' is Detected

Yale School of Medicine professor and Yale Medicine pathologist, Dr. Sheldon Campbell said, the duration of "cyclospora" is shorter and not that severe in people living in developing countries where the illness is considered typical.

Specifically, the disease is diagnosed by identifying a "parasite in the stool" through the use of a microscope or by detection through a molecular experiment.

Without treatment, "cyclosporiasis" can continue or carry on for weeks or months, leading to periodic flare-ups of exhaustion and diarrhea.

Essentially, the best way to be protected from getting infected with "cyclospora" is to thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before preparing, cutting, cooking, and eating them.

And, when handling unwashed fruits and veggies, it is essential to wash hands with soap and water thoroughly. More so, utensils and cutting boards needed for the preparation of potentially contaminated fruits and vegetables need to be cleaned and sanitized, as well.

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