Parasite In McDonald’s Salad Sickens 395 People 15 states are confirmed to have the tainted salads said to be contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite. This specific specimen is spread through fecal matter. According to the CDC, 16 individuals have been hospitalized br from the issue. Illinois holds the most cases br with 202 peoplebr being infected. McDonald’s voluntarily stopped selling salads at impacted restaurants. The fast food chain has br even switched salad suppliers. The FDA confirmed that McDonald’s supplier, Fresh Express, was the source of the problem.