Hundreds of people have been infected with the Cyclospora parasite after eating fresh basil.
Need a Texas Food Poisoning Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a Cyclospora parasite infection after eating fresh basil from Mexico, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: More Fresh Basil Recalled for Cyclospora Parasites
In February 2021, Shenandoah Growers Inc. recalled fresh-cut organic basil in 10 states after a product tested positive for Cyclospora parasites. The product was imported to the U.S. from Colombia. The recalled brands included:
- Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty
- That’s Tasty (Pasta Blend)
- That’s Tasty
- Simple Truth (Kroger)
Three months earlier, in November 2020, Shenandoah Growers issued another recall for fresh-cut organic basil from Colombia after a product at a store in Florida tested positive for Cyclospora parasites. The company recalled 8 brands of basil, including:
- 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®
Wild Harvest® Basil Recalled for Cyclospora Contamination
In May 2020, SuperValu and UNFI recalled Wild Harvest® Organic Basil that was imported to the U.S. from Colombia after a product tested positive for contamination with Cyclospora parasites. No illnesses were reported.
Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak Linked to Fresh Basil from Mexico
August 2019 — The FDA is warning that fresh basil imported to the U.S. by Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morales, Mexico has been linked to an outbreak of Cyclospora parasite infections in 11 states.
How Many People Are Sick?
The first illnesses were reported in June 2019. Since then, a total of 205 people were infected with the Cyclospora parasite, including 5 people who were hospitalized.
All of the people were exposed to the parasite after eating uncooked foods like salad, pesto pasta, or garnishes at restaurants in Florida, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio, according to the CDC outbreak investigation.
Where Were Illnesses Reported?
Illnesses have been reported in the following 11 states: Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The most recent illness began on July 18, 2019.
What Should I Do?
The FDA is warning consumers not to eat, buy, or serve any fresh basil that is imported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morales, Mexico.
Furthermore, consumers should not eat or serve fresh basil, or foods made with fresh basil, unless they know it was is not from Siga Logistics de RL de CV.
Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis
Cyclospora parasite infections cause symptoms about 1-2 weeks after the parasite is ingested. These symptoms may include:
- Frequent bouts of watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue
The symptoms often last for several weeks. Without treatment, the symptoms can last for months, or go away and return later. The infection is rarely transmitted from person-to-person.
Need a Food Poisoning Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.