FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Certain Store Brand Packaged and Labeled “Garden Salad” Products from Three Midwest Retailers Due to Cyclospora

The FDA last last week warned of a new outbreak of illnesses caused by Cyclospora, likely linked to certain store brand “Garden Salad Mix” products at Hy-Vee, ALDI and Jewel-Osco, predominantly in Midwestern states.

Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, said in a statement: “The FDA is working with the companies to determine the source of the products, but in the meantime, we are issuing a public warning to consumers to avoid the identified products to prevent additional infections.”

Yiannas continued, “While there is no widely available method to DNA-fingerprint Cyclospora, the epidemiologic investigation has identified grocery stores and products linked to illnesses caused by this parasite. The FDA continues to stand ready to respond to outbreaks of foodborne illness and we will update consumers as our investigation continues.”

Additional Information:

• The FDA issued a public warning for consumers to avoid certain store brand packaged and labeled “garden salad mix” products from three retailers due to a likely link to infections caused by Cyclospora.
• The ongoing investigation of Cyclospora infections linked to certain pre-packaged, bagged garden salad blends containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage and carrots.
• The products affected are:
  • ALDI Little Salad Bar Brand Garden Salad, sold in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri;
  • All Hy-Vee Brand Garden Salad sold in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska; and
  • Jewel-Osco Signature Farms Brand Garden Salad sold in Illinois.
• The advisory is only for these store brand “garden salad mixes” and not for other types of store brand packaged salads sold at these retailers.