Basil Imported from Columbia Recalled Due to Cyclospora

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is recalling their  Wild Harvest® Organic Basil because of the potential to be contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensi.  The product was distributed out of their  MN distribution center.  The recall comes after routine sampling found the pathogen.  The product is out of Columbia.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes intestinal illness when consumed.  There have been a number of outbreaks associated with fresh RTE greens such as basil and cilantro.  It gets on these items from the irrigation water used for growing the product.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-voluntarily-recalls-wild-harvestr-organic-basil-due-possible-health-risk
UNFI Voluntarily Recalls Wild Harvest® Organic Basil Due to Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  May 11, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  May 11, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages  Vegetable Products
Reason for Announcement:  Contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensis
Company Name:  United Natural Foods, Inc.
Brand Name:  Wild Harvest
Product Description:  Organic Fresh Basil

Company Announcement
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) is initiating a voluntary recall of a limited quantity of Wild Harvest® Organic Basil distributed out of UNFI’s Hopkins, MN distribution center to select retailers in Minnesota between 4/18/2020-5/8/2020. UNFI’s recall is issued out of an abundance of caution because of the potential for the impacted product to be contaminated by Cyclospora cayetanensis. No illnesses, including allergic reactions, involving this product have been reported to date.

This recall includes Wild Harvest® Organic Fresh Basil products sold in .25oz, .75oz, 2oz, and 4oz plastic clam shell containers (UPCs: 0071153550450, 0071153550322, 0071153550762, 0071153550323). Impacted product can be identified by a white sticker with black ink on the back of the container stating: “Product of Colombia” and “112.”

This concern was identified following routine sampling. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal illness in people called cyclosporiasis. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the illness is usually not life threatening. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis may include: watery diarrhea (most common), loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. Other symptoms that may occur but are less common include vomiting and low-grade fever.

This recall is being initiated with the knowledge of the United States Food & Drug Administration. This product was distributed in the state of Minnesota to grocery stores. Consumers who believe that they are in possession of any of the above products affected by this recall should dispose of the product in an appropriate waste container. For any inquiries, consumers may call 1-888-256-2800.

About United Natural Foods

UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler delivering the widest variety of products to customer locations throughout North America including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers, and food service customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store' selection and compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers everywhere. Today, UNFI is the largest publicly-traded grocery distributor in America. To learn more about how UNFI is Moving Food Forward, visit www.unfi.comExternal Link Disclaimer.