PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: CHECK YOUR REFRIGERATOR FOR RECALLED LETTUCE PRODUCTS

By Hoosier Enquirer CEO

INDIANA — Hoosier Enquirer is urging readers to immediately check their refrigerators and freezers following one of the nation’s largest recent foodborne illness outbreaks involving possible Cyclospora contamination linked to certain lettuce products. Health officials report that thousands of illnesses have been investigated across numerous states, with cases expected to continue appearing through the summer. (The Guardian⁠)

Indiana has a publicly available county-by-county map above, showing where Cyclospora cases have been reported.

The hardest-hit counties currently include Marion County (42 cases), Allen County (40), Elkhart County (26), Floyd County (26), Clark County (23), Steuben County (23), St. Joseph County (21), Harrison County (20), and Noble County (16). The outbreak appears concentrated in parts of northeast Indiana, the Indianapolis metro area, and southern Indiana.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

Symptoms may not appear for up to a week or more after consumption and can include:

Explosive or watery diarrhea

Severe stomach cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Fatigue and weakness

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Flu-like symptoms

According to federal health authorities, certain shredded iceberg lettuce and salad products have been voluntarily recalled as investigators continue to determine the precise source of contamination.

The FDA continues to advise consumers to review recall notices and discard any potentially affected products. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration⁠)

What Hoosiers Should Do Immediately:

1. Check your refrigerator for packaged shredded iceberg lettuce or salad products purchased in recent weeks.

2. If you have packaging that matches recall notices, do not consume the product.

3. Dispose of the product and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with it.

4. If you develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly prolonged diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider and mention the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak.

   
   

Although no major Indiana-specific outbreak has been publicly reported at this time, food distribution networks often span multiple states, meaning recalled products may still have reached Indiana consumers. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the situation and update recall information as additional facts become available. (Financial Times⁠)

This incident also serves as a reminder that consumers should periodically review food recall notices and promptly discard affected products. Public health experts note that many illnesses occur because recalled products remain in refrigerators or pantries after warnings are issued. (MySA⁠)

About Hoosier Enquirer

Hoosier Enquirer is a Google News-recognized media organization providing original reporting on issues important to Indiana residents. The publication’s audience continues to grow rapidly, with more than 20,000 followers on X and a dedicated readership seeking independent Indiana news and commentary.

Hoosier Enquirer is preparing to launch its own news application to expand access to local reporting and investigative journalism. The publication is supported solely by voluntary reader donations and remains committed to producing original content relevant to a growing number of Hoosiers throughout the state. Donna Kavanagh, CEO