The FDA Is Investigating a Cyclospora Outbreak That May Be Linked to Bagged Salad
We recently saw a ground beef recall (40,000 pounds of the stuff) hit Walmart and our kitchens, and now, there’s a new investigation on the horizon.
The FDA is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to look into an outbreak of cyclospora that was initially linked to salads from Aldi, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco. Now, the investigation has reached Giant Eagle, ShopRite and Walmart.
The health alert affects 31 states, plus the District of Columbia. You can find the official FDA statement and the recall map here.
Here’s What We Know
On June 19, 2020, the FDA released an alert warning Aldi, Hy-Vee and Jewel-Osco shoppers that their bagged salads may contain a microscopic parasite called cyclospora. The alert includes Little Salad Bar brand garden salad from Aldi, Hy-Vee brand garden salad from Hy-Vee and Signature Farms brand garden salad from Jewel-Osco.
As of June 29, Giant Eagle, ShopRite and Walmart joined the recall roster. All of the afflicted bagged salads come from the same manufacturer, Fresh Express. The FDA says it is likely other retailers will be affected.
As of July 22, 641 total cases have been reported with 37 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Still, the FDA and CDC urge shoppers to take a second look in their crisper drawers, just to make sure these salads don’t make their way to dinner. Aldi has already issued a recall statement for the salad, as have the other retailers.
Here’s What You Need to Do
For starters, take a look at the product images provided by the FDA. If you live in one of the affected states and recently purchased any of these salads, your best course of action is to discard them ASAP. The FDA is working with retailers to remove these products from shelves, but many of the contaminated products were purchased by unsuspecting customers.
This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any questions or would like to report a case, you can always reach out a Consumer Complaint Coordinator on the FDA website.
Stay ahead of recalls and health alerts with this nifty recall app.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can infect your intestinal tract and cause some uncomfortable symptoms. It’s typically contracted by consuming food or water that’s contaminated by the parasite. Cyclospora doesn’t go away on its own, either. If you suspect you or a family member may have been infected by cyclospora, contact your doctor. Stay safe!
Skip the Bagged Stuff and Make These Fresh Summer Salads Instead
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Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Garden Chickpea Salad
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Dill Garden Salad
I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Almond Strawberry Salad
It's easy to love this pretty salad topped with strawberries and sliced almonds. With just a few ingredients, it's loaded with flavor. —Renae Rossow, Union, Kentucky
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad
The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Summer Splash Chicken Salad
When it’s too hot to eat inside, I head out to the patio. Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with mango, watermelon and grapes for an ooh-ahh healthy chicken salad. —Barbara Spitzer, Lodi, California
Veggie Steak Salad
This salad just explodes with flavors. It's easy and quick to prepare, tastes delicious, and is a healthy dinner all on one plate. —Tiffany Martinez, Aliso Viejo, California
Skinny Cobb Salad
This "skinny" version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and do all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Tangy Cilantro Lime Confetti Salad
I love standout salads that burst with flavor—the kind that make you feel as if you're splurging without having to eat that piece of chocolate cake. This is one of my very favorites, and everyone I serve it to loves it as well. —Jasey McBurnett, Rock Springs, Wyoming
Berry Chicken Salad
Bright berries and creamy goat cheese make this one a winner! —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Classic Cobb Salad
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Salmon & Feta Wilted Spinach Salad
My friend mentioned a Turkish salmon and couscous dish that sounded fantastic, so I started experimenting. I prefer this salad warm, but it's also tasty served cold. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
Balsamic Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Spinach Blueberry Salad
Blueberries are a fun surprise in this salad. I received the recipe from a co-worker's wife, and it's become one of my favorites. —Heidi Gilleland, Lees Summit, Missouri
Chicken and Spinach Pasta Salad
My family loves pasta salads, but usually they have too much mayonnaise or oily dressing. Using hummus gives this dish a great taste and texture, while also increasing its nutritional profile. Adding chicken (store-bought rotisserie chicken works well), makes this pasta salad a complete meal. —Jenny Lynch, Rock Island, Illinois
My Favorite Avocado Salad
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Zucchini Panzanella Salad
I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. —Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri
South-of-the-Border Caprese Salad
Plump heirloom tomatoes highlight this garden-fresh showpiece, drizzled with a sweet-tart dressing and sprinkled with cheese. It's so easy to make! —Kathleen Merkley, Layton, Utah
Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad
At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she'd had at a party. It sounded so fantastic I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. Can't seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana
Sesame-Ginger Cucumber Salad
I love the marinated sides and salads that come with meals at Japanese restaurants and wanted to try some at home. After some research, I came up with this cool and crisp salad with a little Asian zing. We love it with meat hot off the grill! —Kimberly Ludvick, Newburgh, New York
Easy Seafood Salad
This easy seafood salad was inspired by a dish I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp and like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad
This light, refreshing salad is a true showstopper, visually and nutritionally, with fresh strawberries and yellow pepper strips tossed with fresh baby spinach. Serve with warm whole wheat rolls or flax or bran muffins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad
We use this super duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping measure seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Watermelon Shrimp Salad
This salad recipe is sweet, spicy and easy to make. I love the combination of flavors, the colorful presentation, and of course, I love to see the happy faces of my family once they've tried it. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Chickpea Mint Tabbouleh
You’ll love this salad warm or chilled. For variety, add feta cheese or use this as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or mushrooms. —Brian Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Sicilian Potato Salad
Fresh basil is the star of this mayo-free, Italian-inspired take on potato salad. —Sue Falk, Warren, Michigan
Watermelon and Spinach Salad
Summer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mango and Jicama Salad
This pretty salad has become part of my regular summertime rotation because of its freshness and versatility—it's great with everything from grilled chicken to seafood! Try it with coconut-flavored vinegar for a fun tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Guacamole Tossed Salad
The fresh blend of avocados, tomatoes, red onion and greens in my salad gets additional pizazz from crumbled bacon and a slightly spicy vinaigrette. —Lori Fischer, Chino Hills, California
Mimi's Lentil Medley
I made this one summer evening by putting together what I had on hand. My husband gave it his top rating. —Mary Ann Hazen, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Denver Omelet Salad
I love this recipe—it's not your typical breakfast, but it has all the right elements: easy, healthy and fast. Turn your favorite omelet ingredients into a morning salad! —Pauline Custer, Duluth, Minnesota
Pesto Tomato-Cucumber Salad
My sister and I created this fresh salad at one of our "recipe nights" and it has been a hit ever since! Try red pepper flakes for a little kick if you'd like, or add Greek pepperoncini. —Jennifer Freier, Algonquin, Illinois
Cool Beans Salad
This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice add a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by placing plastic wrap directly on the salad or spritzing with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Chopped Greek Salad
While living in San Diego during college, I had a favorite Greek casual dining spot. Now that I'm back in my hometown, I've re-created some dishes from the Greek diner and it takes me right back. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Pork and Balsamic Strawberry Salad
Serving this entree salad gives me hope that warmer days aren't too far off. If strawberries aren't in season yet, use thawed frozen in place of fresh. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Thai Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
I created this salad to replicate one I tried on a cruise several years ago. We love the spice of the Thai chile, but if your family isn't into spice, feel free to leave it out. It will still be delicious! —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Feta Garbanzo Bean Salad
This super quick garbanzo bean salad is a hit with my family. If there are any leftovers, which rarely happens, I pile them into pitas for lunches the next day! You can also add grilled chicken or steak to turn it into a hearty main-dish salad. —Judy Doepel, Ballston Lake, New York
Shrimp and Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
When I'd meet former co-workers for lunch at our favorite restaurant, we'd always order this salad. I wanted to share it with my husband, so I made it my mission to re-create it. Mission accomplished! —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
The post The FDA Is Investigating a Cyclospora Outbreak That May Be Linked to Bagged Salad appeared first on Taste of Home.
