Feces-Borne Parasite Linked To Indianapolis' Caito Foods

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A feces-borne parasite is behind the recall of salads and wrap products from a company right here in Indianapolis, sold at Trader Joe's, Walgreens and Kroger stores, as well as Gordon Food Service. The USDA on Tuesday issued an alert over beef, pork and poultry salads and wraps produced by Caito Foods of Indiana due to concerns of Cyclospora contamination.

The fears arose after the company learned from their lettuce supplier, Fresh Express, that the chopped romaine used in some of the products was being recalled. (Get Patched In: Subscribe to free daily email, news alerts, Facebook fun and more from Patch)

Cyclosporiasis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces that contains the parasite, as Cyclospora is not spread directly from one person to another.

The recalled beef, pork and poultry salad and wrap items were produced between July 15 and 18, and have "Best By," "Enjoy by," "Best if Sold By" or "Sell By" dates ranging from July 18 to July 23. The products have the number "EST. 39985 or P-39985" inside or next to the USDA mark of inspection.

The full list of recalled products can be found here and includes roast beef wraps, Santa Fe chicken salads, ham and turkey salad, Cobb salads, Caesar salads, Asian salad with chicken and more. Photos of all the product labels can be seen here.

Photos via USDA