100+ cases of foodborne illness attributed to McDonald's salad

Harrison Cook -

Health departments in Illinois and Iowa are currently investigating  cyclospora outbreaks possibly linked to McDonald's salads, according to CNN.

"The initial investigation indicates a link to consumption of McDonald's salads produced for McDonald's restaurants. Approximately one-fourth of Illinois cases reported eating salads from McDonald's in the days before they became ill," the Illinois Department of Public Health said.

"We're working with CDC, FDA, and Iowa to investigate multiple potential sources," a Illinois health department spokesperson told CNN via email.

McDonald's is cooperating with the CDC and FDA in investigating the outbreak, according to the state health departments. McDonald's told CNN via email "Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to voluntarily stop selling salads at impacted restaurants until we can switch to another lettuce blend supplier. We are in the process of removing existing salad blend from identified restaurants and distribution centers — which includes approximately 3,000 of our U.S. restaurants primarily located in the Midwest."

Cyclospora parasite is also linked to outbreaks resulting in recalls such as Del Monte Fresh vegetable trays.

So far, Illinois reports 90 cases as of May and Iowa reports 15 cases as of June, according to both health departments.

Both departments ask anyone who has developed symptoms after eating a salad to seek medical treatment.

More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: 

Parasitic outbreak linked to pre-cut veggies up to 212 cases
CDC: 144 cases linked to Cyclospora outbreak involving Del Monte vegetables
Kellogg recalls cereal due to 31-state Salmonella outbreak

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