- 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 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 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."
-
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