Some Salad Mixes May Be Infected, FDA Warns
2 hours, 24 minutes ago Add Health - Reuters to My Yahoo!
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pre-mixed salads containing basil and mesclun may contain a parasite that can cause food poisoning, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) said on Friday.
More than 90 people in Texas and Illinois have become ill from the Cyclospora parasite, which causes fever, diarrhea, vomiting and other severe symptoms, the FDA said.
The FDA said it was working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites) and state and local health authorities to find the precise source of two outbreaks traced to a restaurant in Wheaton, Illinois, and another one in Irving, Texas -- both in February.
Food poisoning outbreaks are difficult to track down and the FDA advised anyone with cramps, vomiting and diarrhea to consider possible food poisoning.
"Individuals experiencing these symptoms after consuming basil and mesclun/spring mix salad products are advised to consult their physicians and notify their local health departments," the FDA said in a statement.
"Symptoms usually develop about a week after consuming the contaminated food," it added. "Cyclospora infection can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy."
Reporters Tim Russert, Matthew Cooper [TIME] Subpoenaed in CIA Leak... Developing... Drudge