Publix has posted this recall announcement on their website, regarding Rock Garden Organic Basil. The product is being recalled for possible cyclospora contamination. It was sold at Publix and GreenWise Market.
The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate cyclospora outbreak that may be linked to fresh basil imported from Mexico by Siga Logistics de RL de CV. FDA’s traceback found that the basil available at points of sale where consumers who got sick shopped was exported by Siga Logistics. FDA has increased import screening on fresh basil.
The FDA has requested that Siga Logistics recall the basil, and is working with the firm on a recall. Do not consume or serve uncooked items like pesto or salad that include fresh basil unless you are sure that the basil was not exported by Siga Logistics. Ask your retailer if the basil you have purchased was from Siga Logistics. If the retailer doesn’t know or if you aren’t sure, throw it away. If you don’t know where the basil you want to purchase was grown, avoid it.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by this parasite, include explosive and watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, increased gas, and abdominal pain. This illness can appear to resolve, but then can recur without warning. Without treatment, people who are ill with this infection can be sick for months.
The recalled products are:
- Rock Garden Organic Basil 0.75 ounce with GTIN number 000-35377-17102
- Rock Garden Organic Basil 0.75 ounce with GTIN number 000-35377-17302
- Rock Garden Organic Basil 0.75 ounce with GTIN number 007-51944-98002
- Rock Garden Organic Basil 075 ounce with GTIN number 007-51944-00003
- Rock Garden Organic Basil in 2.0 ounce packages with GTIN number 007-68573-51510
- Rock Garden Organic Basil in 2.0 ounce packages with GTIN number 000-35377-17802
If you purchased Rock Garden Organic Basil in these package sizes with these GTIN numbers, do not eat it even if you plan to cook with it. Throw it away in a sealed garbage can, or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund.
