Parasite That Hit McDonald's May Have Also Reached Kroger, Trader Joe's

A public health alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding salads and wraps sold by retailers such as Kroger, Trader Joe's and Walgreens. 

The products in question might have been contaminated with cyclospora. They were distributed by Caito Foods, which was notified by lettuce supplier Fresh Express that its chopped romaine was being recalled following a rash of illnesses believed to have been caused by McDonald's salads, also supplied by Fresh Express. That outbreak has affected 163 people in 10 states since May.

The products, which also contained beef, pork and poultry, were produced between July 15 and 18, with “Best by,” “Enjoy by,” "Best if sold by” or “Sell by” dates ranging from July 18 through July 23. 

Trader Joe's released a statement claiming that no illnesses have been reported at this time, but the FSIS urged that the incubation period for cyclospora ranges from two to 14 days, which would include the dates of July 25 through Aug. 6, and there is still potential for future reports. 

Cyclospora is transmitted through feces contamination and is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive discomforts but is rarely life threatening, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.