New VA Food Recall, This Time For Feces-Borne Parasite

Certain salads and wraps sold at Trader Joe's, Walgreens, and Kroger stores have been recalled in Virginia and across the nation due to fears of a feces-borne 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.

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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.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

SEE ALSO: 5 Foods Linked To VA Salmonella Outbreak

Photos via USDA/Written by Shannon Antinori, Patch and Bea Karnes, Patch