Fast Facts

• The FDA, CDC, along with state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasisillnesses likely linked to salads from McDonald’s restaurants.
• The CDC report that 61 people in 7 states have become ill. There have been 2 hospitalizations and no deaths.
• As this is an ongoing investigation, the FDA will update this page as more information becomes available, such as product information, epidemiological results, and recalls.
• The FDA is working with McDonald’s to identify the common ingredients in the salads identified by those who became sick and to trace back those ingredients through the supply chain.
• As of July 13, 2018, McDonald’s has decided to voluntarily stop selling salads at impacted restaurants in IL, IA, IN, WI, MI, OH, MN, NE, SD, MT, ND, KY, WV, and MO until they are able to switch to another salad supplier. More information can be found in McDonald’s Statement.
• Consumers who have symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Cyclospora develop 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 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 (relapse).
• At this time, we do not have evidence to suggest that this cluster of illnesses is related to the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak linked to Del Monte vegetable trays.

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What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?

FDA, CDC, state, and local partners are currently investigating several Cyclospora illnesses associated with McDonald’s locations in IA, IL, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI.

CDC has reported 61 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in persons from IA, IL, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI who reportedly consumed salad products from several McDonald’s locations.

FDA has not identified which of the ingredients used in the salads is the vehicle for this outbreak; multiple components of these salads are under consideration. The investigation is ongoing and the FDA is currently reviewing distribution and supplier information.

Consumers who have symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Cyclospora develop 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 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 (relapse).

At this time, we do not have evidence to suggest that this cluster of illnesses is related to the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak linked to Del Monte vegetable trays.

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What is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite of humans. This parasite, when it contaminates food or water and is then ingested, can cause an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis.

The Cyclospora parasite needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that cyclosporiasis is passed directly from one person to another.

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What are the Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis? 

Most people infected with Cyclospora develop 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 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 (relapse).

Who is at Risk?

Anyone who consumed salads from McDonald’s in IA, IL, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI could have been exposed to the pathogen. People can become infected with Cyclospora by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite.

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What Do Restaurants and Retailers Need To Do?

The FDA is working with McDonald’s to identify the common ingredients in the salads identified by those who became sick and to trace back those ingredients through the supply chain.

• Retailers, restaurants, and other food service operators should always practice safe food handling and preparation measures. It is recommended that they wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling food. Wash and sanitize display cases and refrigerators where potentially contaminated products were stored.
• Wash and sanitize cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils used to prepare, serve, or store potentially contaminated products.
• Wash hands with hot water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
• Regular frequent cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces and utensils used in food preparation may help to minimize the likelihood of cross-contamination.

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What Do Consumers Need To Do?

Consumers who have symptoms of cyclosporiasis should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Most people infected with Cyclospora develop 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 (relapse).

Who Should be Contacted?

Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days. The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to Submit An Inquiry, or to visit www.fda.gov/fcic for additional information.

Additional Information

• Illinois Department of Public Health Press Release
• Iowa Department of Public Health Press Release
• CDC Outbreak
• FDA Cyclospora

I was interested in trying out the grocery delivery program that Basha’s, the local grocery chain here in Arizona offers. It was great to find that they offered the delivery here in Flagstaff. Signing up was very easy, and they offered free delivery for my first order. They also offered a trial of EXPRESS, which is a membership program that offers unlimited FREE deliveries (orders of $35 or more), and avoiding higher fees during prime delivery times. I will talk more about EXPRESS at the end of this review.

Placing the order took a little bit of time, but I am sure if I order the same items over and over, the system will start to recognize or even suggest items that I order frequently. Fro now, I had to search for the items that I wanted. I had received a sale advert on Wednesday, and they had a special on boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.49 (regularly $2.99), after a few searches, I added the words “value pack” and the special item came up on the list for me to order. I decided to get some extra ingredients, as I am planning to make chicken enchiladas with it, so I search for enchilada sauces. I liked the way it showed what was one sale. Sorting the items by “lowest price” did not automatically give you the sale price. It sorted it by the regular price. If the regular price was $2.99, but the sale price was $0.99, the item would appear below anything with a lower regular price, but it would show the sale price.

Once I placed my order, they system will give you updates, and if you add a cell phone number, they will text you with updates as well. The instacart system has several flaws, which became evident as my shopping specialist (my term, they referred to her as my Instacart Shopper) messaged me a few times trying to verify exactly what I was wanting. I ordered two pounds of sliced deli ham from the deli. She asked specifically which deli ham I wanted. My only response was the $3.99 ham. Having been in the store several times and purchased this, it was the only ham listed at $3.99 that they had. Having purchased this ham in the past, what I received was not the ham I was expecting, but was actually a higher quality ham. This error was good for me. The other issue that the shopping specialist had was the boneless skinless chicken breasts. She was looking at the picture that went with the order, and even in the weekly advertisement, they tend to use cooked items in the pictures, so she was asking if the item I was looking for was precooked or raw. I ended up sending a picture of the advert for her to see. The one on the left is the advert and the one on the right is what Basha’s Instacart showed.

Overall, the experience was not bad. Becoming more familiar with the ordering system will take some time, but that is how all new technology is these days.

FREE DELIVERY: When they offered the free delivery and two weeks of free EXPRESS, I was informed that the delivery fee was $5.99 per delivery. For the next two weeks (Until July 26th), I get that for free. What they didn’t say at the beginning and I found out at the end (I should have read everything), was that there is also a service charge of $2.48, which is approximately 5% of the total order. I was also given a suggested tip amount of 5% for my delivery driver (happened to be my shopping specialist which I gave a larger tip)

EXPRESS: Express is a yearly subscription that is billed annually at $149. If you work it to where you get a deliver more than every two weeks, the membership will pay for itself in saved delivery fees.

If you have any questions of me about my experience, please feel free to contact me.

The FDA Reminds Consumers and Retailers that All Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal is Recalled

July 12, 2018 Update

The FDA has become aware that recalled Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal are still being offered for sale. All Honey Smacks cereal was recalled in June 2018.

Retailers cannot legally offer the cereal for sale and consumers should not purchase Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal.

The FDA has learned that some retailers are still selling this product. The FDA will continue to monitor this situation closely and follow up with retailers as we become aware of recalled products being offered for sale. Additionally, the public is urged to report any product being offered for sale to the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator in their region. More information about the recall can be found at FDA.gov.

Afandina Halal Recalls Raw Chicken Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Radagast Pet Food, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Three Lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe and One Lot of Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe Because of Possible Health Risk

 For Immediate Release

July 6, 2018

Contact

Consumers

Radagast Pet Food, Inc.
503-736-4649

Announcement

View Product Photos

Radagast Pet Food, Inc. of Portland, OR is recalling three lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe because testing results indicate they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Company is also recalling one lot of Rad Cat Raw Diet Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe because testing results indicate it has the potential to be contaminated with Shiga Toxin producing E. coli O121.  This recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution.  Due to Radagast Pet Food’s commitment to food safety and quality, The Company is conducting this voluntary recall.

This recall includes only the lots listed below.

Listeria monocytogenes is pathogenic to humans. Healthy people exposed to Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.  There is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the product. Animals exposed to Listeria monocytogenes can display short-term symptoms such as: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, muscular or respiratory signs and anorexia.  If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Shiga Toxin releasing E. coli O121 (STEC) is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause illness in humans. People handling or consuming raw pet foods contaminated with this pathogenic bacterium can lead to E. coli infections. E. coli O121 can cause symptoms which include stomach cramps, mild fever and vomiting, and diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Although E. coli O121 is not known to cause illness in cats, the FDA has a zero-tolerance rule for pathogens in pet food, as humans that handle the food may become infected. Infected cats can become carriers of E. coli O121 and transfer the E. coli O121 to the home environment.

No pet or human illnesses have been reported.

The three lots of Rad Cat Raw Diet Free-Range Chicken Recipe were shipped to distributors in the US in May and June 2018:

Affected products are determined by Lot Code identification only.

Free-Range Chicken Recipe:
Lot Code 63057, Best By Date: 10/9/2019
Lot Code 63069, Best By Date: 10/23/2019*
Lot Code 63076, Best By Date: 10/31/2019*
(8oz UPC 8 51536 00103 6, 16oz UPC 8 51536 00104 3, 24oz UPC 8 51536 00105 0)

*These two lots were shipped to one distributor in Vancouver, BC, Canada in addition to US distributors in May and June, 2018:

The single lot of Rad Cat Raw Diet Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe, was shipped to distributors in the US only in May and June:

Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe:
Lot Code 63063, Best By Date: 10/15/2019 
(8oz UPC 8 51536 00121 0, 16oz UPC 8 51536 00122 7, 24oz UPC 8 51536 00123 4 and 1oz Samples)

The Company discovered these lots were potentially contaminated during enhanced quality testing it conducted as a follow-up to its March 2018 recall.

Consumers are encouraged to check the Lot Codes on their Free-Range Chicken Recipe and Pasture-Raised Venison Recipe containers.  The Lot Codes can be found printed on the bottom of the plastic containers.  Any products with these Lot Codes should be returned to the specialty retailer where purchased for a full refund.

Consumers with questions should contact Radagast Pet Food, Inc. at 503-736-4649 Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm Pacific Time or contact us through our website at www.RadFood.com.

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Recall Notification Report 059-2018 (Beef Jerky Products)

United States Bakery Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Naked Bread Hamburger Buns

For Immediate Release

July 2, 2018

Contact

Consumers

1-503-232-2191 x4999

Media

Mark Park
Corporate Compliance
Email
503-232-2191 x 4232

Announcement

View Product Photos

United States Bakery of Portland, Oregon is recalling Naked Bread Hamburger Buns #NothingToHide, 8 pack, affected lot codes F6 Best By June 16th, 2018 through July 16th 2018, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Product is fresh and sold in the bread aisle at retail stores and was distributed directly in Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington between June 2, 2018 and July 2, 2018.

Product is packaged in low density polyethylene bag and identified as “Naked Bread Hamburger Buns #NothingToHide, 8 pack, Net wt. 16.5 oz., UPC #72220 11075.  The affected lot codes are F6 Best By June 16th, 2018 through July 16th 2018.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the listing of milk.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers who have purchased the affected Naked Bread Hamburger Buns, 8 pack, and have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk can return product to a place of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-503-232-2191 x4999 between 8 am-5 pm PST, Monday-Friday, or inquiries may be made online at nakedbread.com.

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May Flower International Inc. Issues a Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergens in “3+2 Soda Crackers”

For Immediate Release

June 29, 2018

Contact

Consumers

1-718-366-8668

Announcement

View Product Photos

May Flower International Inc. of 5672 49th Place, Maspeth, NY, is recalling its 4.4 ounce packages of “3+2 Soda Crackers” because they may contain undeclared milk allergens. Consumers who are allergic to milk allergens may run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

The recalled “3+2 Soda Crackers” were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product comes in a 4.4 oz, yellow plastic package and is un-coded.

No illnesses or allergic reactions involving this product have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared milk allergens in the 4.4 oz packages of “3+2 Soda Crackers” which did not declare a milk ingredient on the label.

Consumers who have purchased 4.4 oz packages of “3+2 Soda Crackers” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-718-366-8668.

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