Major Brand Recalls Blueberries Over Possible Parasite Contamination

KEY POINTS

Dole issued a voluntary, limited recall of specific blueberry products
People who consume affected products may contract cyclosporiasis
Those who suspect a cyclospora infection should contact their healthcare provider

Consumers should check their pantries as Dole Diversified North America Inc. is recalling a "limited number" of its fresh blueberry products that may be contaminated with Cyclospora parasite.

The recall affects "Dole Fresh Blueberries" in 18 oz, Pint, 6 oz and 24 oz clamshell sizes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the alert on its website. They came in various lot codes and Pack Out Dates, and were distributed in Illinois, Maine, New York and Wisconsin, as well as several Canadian provinces.

The full list of UPC, Lot Codes and Pack Out Dates are available on the FDA website.

Dole Diversified North America, Inc. Announces Limited Recall of Dole™ Fresh Blueberries for Potential Cyclospora Contamination https://t.co/NACTT6KsnD pic.twitter.com/Mnl9rp0X0X
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) June 25, 2021

People who consume a product that's contaminated with the cyclospora parasite may contract cyclosporiasis. Although some people don't get sick at all, others may develop symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, "severe" abdominal pain, fatigue and body aches.

Typically, it takes about one week for a person to become sick after being infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Apart from the aforementioned symptoms, an infected person may also experience loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, bloating and increased gas.

The condition can be treated using antibiotics, and most people do respond to it fairly quickly, the FDA noted. But if not treated, the illness can last from several days to a month or even longer, the CDC said. It may even seem to go away but can relapse "one or more times." As such, those who think they may be infected with cyclospora should contact their healthcare provider.

So far, neither the U.S. FDA nor the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has received any reports of illnesses related to the recall. The company is still urging consumers to check if they may have purchased an affected product. Those who do, should not consume but discard them "immediately."

"No other Dole products are included in the recall. Only Dole Fresh Blueberries with the exact UPC and lot code combinations identified above are included in the recall," the recall notice stated. "Retailers and consumers with questions may call the Dole Consumer Center at 1-800-356-3111, which is open 24 hours a day."