Another NJ Food Recall, This Time For An Intestinal Parasite

Certain salads and wraps sold at Trader Joe's, Walgreens, and Kroger have been recalled in New Jersey and across the nation because of fears of an intestinal parasite. The items, produced by Caito Foods and sold at those retailers, could be contaminated with Cyclospora, a feces-borne parasite, the USDA announced Tuesday.

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, the USDA said.

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 Trader Joe's recalls were limited to these states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it takes one to two weeks from the time it is passed through a bowel movement until it becomes infectious.

The illness causes diarrhea, the CDC said. "Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted.

People can become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with feces that contains the parasite.

This recall comes just one week after both Ritz and Goldfish were recalled due to Salmonella concerns.

Read more: 4 Foods Linked To NJ Outbreaks That Could Make You Sick

Photos via USDA/Written by By Kara Seymour, Shannon Antinori, Patch and Bea Karnes, Patch and Shutterstock