Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak, Cilantro Identified as Potential Source

CDC is investigating an outbreak of the parasite Cyclospora.  There have been 358 confirmed cases in 26 states so far in 2015.  Symptoms of cyclospora infection or  cyclosporiasis last for an average of 7 days, but can range from 2 days to longer than 2 weeks after ingestion of sporulated oocysts (the infective form of the parasite).  Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include: watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.

Cilantro has been identified as a potential source.  FDA has issued an import alert for cilantro imported from Puebla, Mexico.  A potential scenario is that the cilantro becomes contaminated from contaminated water used for irrigation or washing, or from contaminated workers handling the fresh product.  The fresh cilantro is then added to flavor items such as fresh salsa and consumed, so there are no processing steps that would eliminate the parasite.



CDC Outbreak Investigation
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/cyclosporiasis/outbreaks/2015/index.html
Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Investigations — United States, 2015

Last Updated July 31, 2015 1:00 PM EDT
UPDATES WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE

CDC and federal, state, and local public health partners are investigating an increase in reported cases of Cyclospora infection.
Highlights

Read the related statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Read the Advice to Consumers
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.
As of July 30, 2015 (11am EDT), CDC had been notified of 358 ill persons with confirmed Cyclospora infection from 26 states in 2015.
Most (199; 56%) ill persons experienced onset of illness on or after May 1, 2015 and did not report international travel prior to symptom onset.

Frozen Enchiladas Recalled Due to Potential Of Salmonella Due to Cilantro Ingredient

A California Company is recalling their frozen chili cheese enchilada product due to the potential for Salmonella.  The recall came after the supplier of the organic cilantro ingredient used in the product notified the producer that they had found Salmonella in their routine testing of the cilantro.

This frozen product appears to be cooked by the processor, at least partially.  Although we can't tell whether the cilantro was added before or after the thermal process.

Another item to notice is that the package has cooking instructions that direct the consumer to fully cook this product before consuming.  These process steps would help to lower the risk of Salmonella in the product, however, if an issue were to arise, then it be a disaster for the manufacturer.  The likelihood of under cooking by the consumer must also be taken into account.


FDA Recall Notice - Dec 3, 2014
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm425648.htm
Recall -- Firm Press Release
FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Overhill Farms Voluntarily Recalls Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas Sold At Safeway Stores Nationwide Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Contact: Consumer: 1-323-582-9977

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 3, 2014 — Overhill Farms, Inc. of Vernon, California is voluntarily recalling the frozen food product Open Nature Chile Cheese Enchiladas due to potential Salmonella contamination. The supplier for the organic cilantro contained in such product notified Overhill Farms that the organic cilantro may have Salmonella contamination based on routine testing conducted. The product is sold nationwide at all Safeway-owned stores, including Safeway, Carrs, Genuardi’s, Pak ‘N Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Vons.