Food Food and Nutrition

These Are the States Where Contaminated Vegetables Are Making People Sick

Emily Laurence

July 9, 2018

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You'd think that vegetables that are pre-washed and packaged would be safer than the ones hanging out loose for everyone to manhandle in grocery stores, but no. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that more than 200 people have been infected with intestinal parasites from Del Monte pre-packaged vegetable trays, USA Today reports. Not exactly a fun way to spend a leisurely summer weekend—or, well, any weekend ever.

Before you swear off veggies forever, rest assured that the recall is in full affect. Del Monte has pulled its baby carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and dill dip all from the shelves. The exact ailment the poor victims were hit with is cyclosporiasis—which is transmitted by (brace yourself) human fecal matter. It can't kill you, but it can have you camped out in the bathroom for a few days.

The reports of infection seem to primarily be from the upper Midwestern region, including Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan. Still, no matter where you live, if you have their veggies in your fridge with a sell by date of June 17, do yourself a favor and compost it ASAP. While the brand has not released a statement, it seems they have taken the necessary steps to get the contaminated food off the shelves.

Why is it that veggies and fruits—like the chopped romaine lettuce and pre-cut melon that created mini-health crises this year—seem to be the most risky to eat? Food poisoning experts say that the more hands on your food before it gets to you, the higher its chances of being contaminated—yes, even if they are running machines that triple-wash it. So, regardless of how your produce comes packaged, give it a good wash at home before you eat it.

Here's exactly how to wash your produce, including why you might want to do it with baking soda.