Organic Basil by Shenandoah Growers Recalled Due to Potential Cyclospora Contamination
Shenandoah Growers, Inc of Harrisonburg, VA, has issued a voluntary recall for a limited quantity of their organic basil due to potential Cyclospora contamination. Although the organic basil is past its expiration date, Shenandoah Growers issued the recall out of an abundance of caution after a randomly selected package of the product showed traces of Cyclospora contamination during routine food safety testing. The basil was sold under brand names “The Fresh Market”, “Good & Gather”, “Naturally Better”, “Nature’s Promise”, “O Organics”, “Simple Truth”, “That’s Tasty”, and “Wild Harvest”, with the full list of recalled products available here. The contaminated basil was sold between 10/20/2020 and 10/30/2020 throughout the following states: Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC.
No illnesses have been reported as of date due to the contaminated basil. Customers who have purchased the contaminated basil are urged not to consume it; rather they can return it to the store of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with any questions regarding the recall can contact Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center at 844-896-6939 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time.
According to National Cyclospora lawyer Ron Simon, “When stool that is contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis is passed, it takes roughly 1-2 weeks before becoming infectious. Those infected with Cyclosporiasis typically present symptoms 1 week after being infected, though cases have been presented where those infected present no symptoms.”
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes the foodborne illness cyclosporiasis. Cyclosporiasis is most commonly passed through food and water that has become infected by coming into contact with infected feces. Although cleanliness and sanitizing is recommended to avoid the parasite, rinsing and washing contaminated food rarely removes the parasite. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis mirror common food poisoning symptoms because the parasite infects the small bowel. These symptoms typically begin one week after ingesting the parasite and include watery and explosive diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Some people infected with cyclospora report no symptoms, while others have reported relapses. According to Ron Simon, he most experienced food poisoning lawyer in the country, cyclosporiasis symptoms can last between a few days and a month or more if not treated. If you believe you are suffering from cyclosporiasis, contact your physician for treatment and testing.
