FDA warns consumers about fresh basil Cyclospora danger

While the company linked to the July Cyclospora outbreak in basil has recalled the product, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises that consumers should not to buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV, BB #:347973 based in Morelos, Mexico.

FDA said the company recalled the basil July 24, and FDA released its first advisory about the outbreak the next day.

In its Aug. 16 statement, FDA said:

“For Consumers:
Consumers should not to buy, eat, or serve any fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico.
Do not consume or serve uncooked items like pesto or salad, that may include fresh basil from Mexico, unless you are certain that the fresh basil was not exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV.
However, if consumers cannot determine if the basil is from this company, they should avoid basil from Mexico. If they do not know what country the basil is from, they should avoid it.

For Restaurants, Retailers, Distributors, Importers and Suppliers:
The FDA strongly advises importers, suppliers, and distributors, as well as restaurants, retailers, and other food service providers to not sell, serve or distribute fresh basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico. If you are uncertain of the source, do not sell, serve or distribute the fresh imported basil.”

FDA spokesman Peter Cassell said Aug. 19 that consumers are still at risk if they preserved the contaminated basil in any way.

Through Aug. 16, FDA reports 205 people have fallen ill in the outbreak with 5 going to the hospital. The latest onset is July 18. States with cases are Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin, with restaurant exposures in Florida, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin.

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