Recall: Del Monte Vegetable Trays Have Sickened More Than 200

Del Monte vegetable trays are being recalled after more than 200 people in four states fell ill, the Huffington Post reports. An outbreak of cyclosporiasis—an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis—has been linked to the pre-packaged veggie trays.

The recall involves Del Monte's trays of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery sticks, and dill dip (sold in 6, 12, and 28 ounces) with a "best if enjoyed by" date of June 17, 2018, or earlier. So far, 212 people have been sickened in Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, seven of whom were hospitalized. The contaminated vegetables were also sold in Illinois and Indiana, and most of the trays were purchased from Kwik Trip stores, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis, which can include diarrhea, fever, and fatigue, were reported as early as May 14. Unfortunately, the problem can be hard to contain, because "by the time cases are detected, the product is long gone," food-borne disease expert Michael T. Osterholm told The New York Times.

Cyclosporiasis is often tied to produce imports from South and Central America and Mexico, the Times reports. The illness is typically contracted by consuming food or water that has been contaminated with the parasite, the CDC explains. Antibiotics can be prescribed to cure the illness, whose symptoms can last up to a month if left untreated.

[h/t Huffington Post]