DOLE Blueberries Recalled Due to Possible Cyclospora Contamination; FDA Says No Illnesses Reported

The United States Food & Drug Administration or the FDA announced that Dole Diversified North America, Inc. has recalled a specified number of cases of its fresh blueberries because of a possible cyclospora contamination.

Possible Cyclospora Contamination

Based on the statement of the FDA, the berry producers coordinated with the officials of the regulatory to avoid any possible damages. The FDA also said that Dole announced the recall on June 24 and cited the possible cyclospora contamination. So far, no illnesses have been reported in relation to the portion of blueberries that the company has been trying to recall.

According to USA Today, the FDA stated that cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite. The federal agency stated that a person would become infected only after they ingested food or water contaminated by the parasite, said the announcement.

Moreover, the FDA mentioned that common symptoms of the contamination include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It could also cause body aches and fatigue. The usual treatment for the infection is antibiotics, and most people respond quickly to the treatment.

Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC stated that most individuals with healthy immune systems will quickly recover after being infected by the parasite. The U.S. national public health agency stated that the parasite is too small to be seen without a microscope and any treatment.

UPC Codes and Product Information

Despite no illnesses reported in association with the contaminated products, the Dole blueberries mentioned the exact UPC and lot codes listed in the recall. The packages were affected but clarified that no other Dole products are being recalled. The UPC codes are as follows, for 18 oz: 0 71430 01154 6 ; for Pint: 0 71430 01151 5; for 6 oz: 07143001150 8; and for 24 oz: 071430011155 3.

The FDA stated that the contaminated blueberries, sealed inside 6, 18, 24 oz, and pint-sized containers, were packed between May 28 and June 9, Daily News reported.

Consumers were advised to check the announcement of the FDA for pack dates and lot codes. Based on the report of Today, the blueberries in question came in a variety of clamshell-type containers that were being distributed in four states in the U.S. Those states were Illinois, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin. Aside from the four states, the blueberries were also delivered to two Canadian provinces, Alberta and British Columbia.

Meanwhile, not only products at the market were being checked, but consumers were also advised to check any product that they have in their homes as they could possibly buy one of the contaminated Dole blueberries. They were advised to discard any product that has the description and UPC codes in the recall.

On the other hand, retailers and consumers with questions regarding the contaminated product or any related inquiry may call the Dole Consumer Center at 1-800-356-3111. Consumers can call any time as the line is open 24 hours a day.

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