Dole Is Recalling Blueberries After Potential Cyclospora Contamination—Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Cyclospora is a parasite that can lead to cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection that causes watery diarrhea.

Dole has initiated a product recall affecting specific batches of blueberries due to the possible presence of Cyclospora contamination. Cyclospora, a parasitic microorganism, has the potential to induce cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection in individuals. This action was communicated through an official press release issued by the company on June 25th.

It is essential to understand the details surrounding the blueberry recall, the nature of Cyclospora, and the health implications of cyclosporiasis.

Which specific blueberry products are subject to the recall?

Dole’s recall encompasses a limited selection of cases containing Dole Fresh Blueberries, available in various sizes of clamshell packaging. The affected batches include 6 oz, 18 oz, 24 oz, and pint-sized containers of fresh blueberries. Dole is strongly advising consumers to inspect their blueberry supplies at home and discard any items matching the specifications provided in the recall notice. The Dole website provides a detailed listing of the precise UPC codes, pack out dates, and lot codes linked to the recall.

The distribution of the recalled blueberries covered regions such as Illinois, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin within the United States. Additionally, the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia received the affected products. Up until now, Dole has not received reports of any illnesses associated with the recalled batches.

William Goldfield, the Director of Corporate Communications at Dole Food Company, Inc., emphasizes the organization’s unwavering commitment to providing safe and nutritious products. He notes that Dole’s response prioritizes the safety of consumers, and precautionary measures are taken promptly upon identifying potential hazards.

Dole is keen to clarify that no other products from their range are implicated in this recall incident. Furthermore, for any inquiries, concerned consumers can reach out to the Dole Consumer Center at (800) 356-3111, a service available around the clock.

What exactly is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a minute parasitic organism. The presence of Cyclospora in food or water indicates contamination with human fecal matter, as per guidelines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Contamination often arises when an individual involved in food preparation or packaging carries the parasite and neglects to practice proper hand hygiene after using the restroom.

Consuming food or beverages tainted with Cyclospora can lead to the development of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal ailment affecting the small intestine.

Following exposure to Cyclospora, the onset of sickness typically occurs around a week later, as highlighted by Cordialis Msora-Kasago, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This delayed manifestation of symptoms contributes to the challenge of diagnosing and monitoring the illness. “The symptoms may arise well after the actual exposure, making it intricate to pinpoint the exact cause,” she explains.

What are the indications of a Cyclospora infection?

While certain individuals infected with Cyclospora may exhibit no symptoms (albeit even asymptomatic carriers can transmit the parasite through food, as affirmed by the FDA), the prevalent sign of cyclosporiasis is characterized by “profuse, watery diarrhea, frequently accompanied by sudden and forceful bowel movements,” as outlined by the FDA. Alongside this primary symptom, the following common manifestations may occur:

• Decreased appetite
• Unintended weight loss
• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Abdominal bloating
• Heightened gas production
• Nausea
• Fatigue

In instances of cyclosporiasis, additional symptoms that might manifest encompass:

• Vomiting
• Body soreness
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Various other flu-like symptoms

These symptoms could appear to abate temporarily and then resurface, possibly recurring multiple times. Cordialis Msora-Kasago underscores this fluctuating pattern, explaining, “One may initially associate the symptoms with a flu episode, or there might be moments of feeling completely well followed by a recurrence of the same symptoms on the subsequent day.”

When is it advisable to seek medical attention?

If you suspect exposure to the recalled batch of blueberries and subsequently develop diarrhea, it is recommended to consult your primary care provider or another medical professional, explains Cynthia L. Sears, MD, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in conversation with Health. However, she notes that individuals should pursue this avenue unless their condition is severe—such as experiencing dehydration, persistent vomiting and diarrhea, dizziness, or high fever—necessitating immediate emergency care.

Dr. Sears underscores that given the intermittent nature of cyclosporiasis symptoms, individuals who have been exposed and encounter a pattern of diarrhea that appears to resolve but then recurs should also schedule a medical evaluation and request relevant testing.

Engaging with a healthcare provider is crucial not only for accurate diagnosis through stool examinations but also because the parasite can be effectively treated with a combination of antibiotics known as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, according to Dr. Sears.

The FDA notes that people typically exhibit rapid improvement following antibiotic treatment. Without intervention, cyclosporiasis may persist for a few days up to a month or potentially longer. In addition to taking antibiotics, individuals experiencing diarrhea should prioritize rest and ensure ample fluid intake to aid in recovery.

Is it possible to prevent a Cyclospora infection?

While thoroughly washing your produce is a commendable practice, it’s important to note that the Cyclospora parasite might not be entirely eliminated through washing, as per information provided by the FDA.

However, this shouldn’t discourage you from consuming raw fruits and vegetables, as they offer valuable nutrients for your health. Cordialis Msora-Kasago reinforces the significance of including these items in your diet, particularly when they are not among the items subject to recall. She emphasizes that the benefits of such consumption outweigh the associated risks.

Although washing produce might not serve as a foolproof defense against developing cyclosporiasis in the event of Cyclospora contamination, there are preventive measures you can adopt to reduce your susceptibility. The FDA provides the following recommendations:

1. Thoroughly clean the inner surfaces, shelves, cutting boards, and countertops of your refrigerator. Proceed to sanitize these surfaces using a solution comprised of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with one gallon of hot water. Dry the sanitized areas with a fresh cloth or unused paper towel.

2. Practice rigorous hand hygiene by washing your hands with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds both before and after handling food items.

3. Swiftly address any spills within the refrigerator and make a routine of regularly cleaning the refrigerator itself.

4. After completing the cleaning and sanitizing routine, always cleanse your hands with hot, soapy water.

While complete prevention of Cyclospora infection might not be guaranteed, implementing these precautions can significantly lower the risk of contamination and subsequent illness.