Fresh Express expands salad recall

According to a press release issued by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on June 29, 2020, the epidemiologic and traceback information collected by federal and state investigators indicates that a likely cause of the latest Cyclospora outbreak is product made at the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois.

FDA has begun an inspection at the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois, and has started a traceback investigation to find the cause and source of the outbreak. FDA has also been working with Fresh Express to identify other retailers it has supplied with products containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage or carrots.

Between June 20 and June 25, there were recalls of salad products containing these ingredients. These recalls included products sold at ALDI, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco and Walmart.

On June 26, 2020, FDA and CDC spoke with Fresh Express regarding concerns that additional products made in the Streamwood facility could also contain Cyclospora. The firm agreed to recall the products of concern.

On June 27, 2020, Fresh Express recalled products containing either iceberg lettuce, red cabbage or carrots and displaying the product code Z178, or a lower number. The recalled products were made in the Fresh Express production facility in Streamwood, Illinois, and have the potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora.

FDA is working with retailers to ensure the potentially adulterated products are effectively removed from the marketplace. As this outbreak investigation continues, the FDA will provide additional updates to this advisory.

The investigation includes Fresh Express branded products as well as products made by Fresh Express for retail store brands sold at ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart. Investigators continue to look into whether other retail brands may be impacted.