A multi-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to basil imported from Mexico has prompted Publix to recall Rock Garden brand organic basil. Consumers who have purchased this product should not eat it as Cyclospora can cause serious illness.
The recall includes:
- 0.75-oz sizes with the UPC codes 000-35377-17102, 000-35377-17302, oz 007-51944-98002 and oz 007-51944-00003
- 2-oz sizes with UPC codes 007-68573-51510, 000-35377-17802
Cyclospora Outbreak
Cyclospora is a parasite native to sub-tropical climates that is often associated with travel outside the U.S. Foods get contaminated when water used to irrigate.or wash produce is contaminated with human feces, or when a food handler infected with the parasite doesn’t wash hands properly after using the bathroom.
A Cyclospora infection, called cyclosporiasis, develops within two to ten days of exposure. The hallmark symptom of this infection is profuse diarrhea that is often explosive or watery. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, headache, fatigue, weight loss and other flu-like symptoms. Untreated, these symptoms can last more than two months.
The outbreak currently includes 132 cases in 11 states: CT, FL, GA, IA, MA, MN, NY, OH, RI, SC and WI. Four people have been hospitalized. In four states, Florida, Minnesota, New York and Ohio, exposures were associated with food served at restaurants.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has linked the outbreak to basil imported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morelos, Mexico. The Publix recall is associated with this recall.
If you are part of this outbreak, we want to help. To request a free consultation with a Cyclospora attorney, call 1 (888) 377-8900 (toll-free), send a text to 612-261-0856 or complete the form below and put our experienced Cyclospora Team to work for you.
