Kwik Trip removes veggie trays after salmonella reports in Minnesota, Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin-based convenience store chain Kwik Trip has removed some vegetable trays from its stores after several reported illnesses in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Health officials say the Del Monte vegetable trays, which included broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and dill dip, have been linked to salmonella bacteria. So far, it has sickened three people in Wisconsin and one in Minnesota. Symptoms of salmonellosis are similar to the flu. 

The same product sold at Kwik Trip stores last June sickened more than a dozen people in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  

Kwik Trip owns more than 600 convenience stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. 

Kwik Trip, Inc.’s response to the inquiry about the Del Monte Labeled Vegetable trays:

Kwik Trip, Inc., a retail company based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, takes food safety and the protection of public health very seriously. 

We work closely with local, state and federal officials on a continuum to make sure the products we sell are of the highest quality and safe for public consumption.

After notification by state officials of the situation, Kwik Trip, Inc. voluntarily removed Del Monte Labeled Vegetable trays from our retail stores.  Kwik Trip, Inc. does NOT process or manufacture vegetables trays.  Please contact Del Monte for further information since this investigation is on-going with Del Monte (see FDA Notification).

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. statement:

The Departments of Health of Wisconsin and Minnesota have alerted us that they have identified a commonality in consumption patterns of four (4) individuals who contracted salmonella (3 in Wisconsin and 1 in Minnesota). The first reported incident was April 13, 2019 and the last reported incident related to this alert occurred on April 27, 2019. While we have no evidence that has been shared with us that a Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable tray was the confirmed cause of those incidents, we were told that in all 4 cases the individuals that contracted salmonella claimed to have consumed Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays from convenience stores in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The products in question would have exceeded their “best by date” weeks ago and would have expired and off the shelves for some time. In the unlikely event that any consumers may still have the Del Monte Fresh Produce vegetable trays, they are to return the trays for a full refund. Our consumer response hotline, 1-800-659-6500, is available to answer questions and address concerns.

We maintain high food safety and quality standards and are deeply committed to our consumers’ well-being.