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Update: Shenandoah Growers Recalls Organic Basil for Cyclospora Contamination
Harrisonburg, Virginia-based Shenandoah Growers, Inc., is recalling 3,240 units of branded fresh cut, packaged organic basil clamshells [1] over potential contamination with cyclospora. Specific lot codes impacted by the recall include:
- PV40515 1034
- PV40515 3034
- PV40515 4034
- PV40515 3035
The recalled basil was sourced in Colombia, harvested by Puerto Vallarta Herbs SAS, and imported by Vallarta Organics LLC dba Organic Destiny.
Affected products were distributed to select retail stores from 2/3/2021 to 2/4/2021 in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
This recall began on February 8, 2021.
What’s the problem?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are conducting a joint investigation into a rare outbreak of more than 130 cyclospora illnesses linked to fresh basil exported by a firm based out of Morelos, Mexico.
CDC’s current analysis of epidemiologic data indicates that tainted fresh basil sourced from Mexico is the likely cause of the outbreak of cyclospora illnesses. A traceback investigation conducted by the FDA has found that the basil was sold at points available to all those who fell ill with cyclosporiasis.
FDA has requested a voluntary recall and the firm has agreed. The agency has increased import screening on basil and will continue to investigate the cause and source of the outbreak, as well as the distribution of products.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic foodborne parasite that is usually transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water, according to the FDA [2]. The bacterium is unlikely to be transmitted from person to person because it needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. People living or traveling in countries where cyclosporiasis is common, including certain tropical or subtropical regions, may be at increased risk for cyclospora infection, FDA said.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin about 7 days after ingestion of offending pathogen (range, 2 days to >2 weeks), and include:
- Watery diarrhea (most common)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue
(source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
FDA Issues Warning About Fresh Basil Imported From Mexico: CBS New York Video
Can I File a Class Action?
Although Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is a nationally recognized class action firm, we have decided against this type of litigation when it comes to basil-induced cyclospora infections. Our lawyers feel that if there is a successful resolution to these cases, individual suits, not class actions will be the best way to get maximum payouts to our clients. If you developed symptoms of cyclosporiasis after eating foods that contained recalled fresh basil, we know you’ve suffered emotionally and economically, and want to work with you personally to obtain the maximum compensation for the damages caused by your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.
Related Articles:
UNFI Recalls Wild Organic Basil Over Cyclospora Contamination
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is recalling Wild Harvest Organic Basil distributed out of UNFI’s distribution center in Hopkins, Minnesota, over potential contamination with Cyclospora cayetanensis. The recall affects Wild Harvest Organic Fresh Basil products sold in .25oz, .75oz, 2oz, and 4oz plastic clam shell containers (UPCs: 0071153550450, 0071153550322, 0071153550762, 0071153550323). This recall began on May 11, 2020.
1 Dead, 141 Sickened in Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Mexican Basil
October 1, 2019 - This week, the CDC and FDA declared that the cyclospora outbreak linked to fresh basil imported from Mexico is over, according to The Packer [3]. The agencies reported at least 241 cases of cyclosporiasis infection associated with the outbreak, including 6 patients who required emergency hospitalization.
Although the threat of illness from contaminated basil is over, FDA is continuing its investigation into the source of the outbreak. Siga Logistics de RL de CV has cooperated with the investigation, ceasing production and distribution of the basil, the agency said.
Check out the other recent food poisoning cases from Schmidt and Clark, LLP.
FDA Recommendation
FDA is advising consumers not to purchase, eat, or serve any foods with fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV. The agency said you should avoid all basil products for the time being, unless you can determine for certain that it was not sourced from Siga Logistics.
Do I Have a Basil Cyclospora Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in basil recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cyclospora cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one was diagnosed with a confirmable cyclospora infection (cyclosporiasis) after eating foods that contained recalled basil, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.
