Fresh basil has been linked to multiple outbreaks of Cyclospora parasite infections. In recent years, hundreds of people have been infected with Cyclospora after eating fresh basil that was imported to the U.S. from Colombia and Mexico.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been infected with the Cyclospora parasite after eating fresh basil from Mexico, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Shenandoah Growers Issues Yet Another Basil Recall for Cyclospora
In February 2021, Shenandoah Growers Inc. issued yet another recall for fresh organic basil from Colombia after a product tested positive for Cyclospora parasites. The basil was distributed from 2/3/2021 to 2/4/2021 by Kroger, Schnuck’s, Indianapolis Fruit, Vine Line Produce, J&J Distributing and other retailers.
It was distributed in the following 10 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. The basil was sold under the following brand-names:
- Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty
- That’s Tasty (Pasta Blend)
- That’s Tasty
- Simple Truth (Kroger)
Shenandoah Growers Recalls 8 Brands of Organic Basil for Cyclospora
On November 24, 2020, Shenandoah Growers Inc. recalled 8 brands of fresh-cut organic basil due to a risk of Cyclospora parasite contamination. No illnesses were reported, but health officials pulled a product from a store in Florida on November 2 and it tested positive for Cyclospora.
The recall includes organic basil under the following brand-names:
- The Fresh Market®
- Good & Gather® (Target)
- Naturally Better® (SE Grocers)
- Nature’s Promise® (Hannaford)
- O Organics® (Safeway)
- Simple Truth® (Kroger)
- That’s Tasty®
- Wild Harvest®
The basil was imported from Colombia. It was packaged in the U.S. by Shenandoah Growers and distributed to many different grocery stores between October 20th and 30th, 2020 in various states, including Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC.
Wild Harvest® Organic Basil Recalled for Cyclospora Contamination
In May 2020, SuperValu and United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) recalled Wild Harvest® Organic Basil after a product tested positive for Cyclospora parasite contamination. No illnesses were reported.
Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Linked to Fresh Basil from Mexico
August 2019 — Health officials in the U.S. are investigating an outbreak of Cyclospora parasite infections that may be linked to fresh basil imported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morales, Mexico.
How Many People Are Sick?
As of August 15, 2019, the CDC outbreak investigation has identified 205 people in 11 states who were infected with Cyclospora after eating fresh basil at restaurants in Florida, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin, likely from uncooked foods such as salad, pesto, or garnishes.
What States Reported Illnesses?
Five people were hospitalized, according to the CDC. Illnesses have been reported in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The most recent illness began on July 18, 2019. All of the people who fell were exposed to Cyclospora after eating at restaurants in 5 states: Florida, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Is There A Recall?
The FDA has asked Siga Logistics to recall their fresh basil. The agency has also increased screening of fresh basil that is being imported to the U.S. from Mexico.
What Should I Do?
Consumers should not to buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil imported to the U.S. from Siga Logistics de RL de CV.
Furthermore, consumers should not eat or serve uncooked foods like pesto, salad, or garnishes that include fresh basil unless they are certain that it was not exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV. If you are not sure where the basil is from, do not eat or serve it.
Cyclospora Parasite Infection
The symptoms of an infection with the Cyclospora parasite may not appear for 1-2 weeks after a contaminated food is eaten. Infections with Cyclospora rarely become life-threatening, but the illness often lasts for several weeks. It can last for months without treatment. The symptoms may also disappear and return.
Symptoms of Cyclospora Infections
- Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been infected with the Cyclospora parasite after eating fresh basil from Mexico, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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