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

FDA Releases Interim Results of Pathogen Testing on Fresh Herbs and Processed Avocados

FDA released preliminary results of testing fresh herbs and processed avocados.  Although the levels of contamination are low, one would need to consider these as hazards as a risk when conducting the hazard analysis for these items.

Fresh Herbs - cilantro, parsley and basil

Fresh cilantro, parsley and basil are typically eaten without having undergone a ‘kill step,’ such as cooking, to reduce or eliminate bacteria. These herbs are grown low to the ground and therefore are susceptible to contamination (e.g., from irrigation water splashing off the soil).

From 1996 to 2015, the FDA reported nine outbreaks linked to basil, parsley and cilantro, which resulted in 2,699 illnesses and 84 hospitalizations. Four of the outbreaks were linked to basil, three to cilantro, and two to parsley. Of those same nine outbreaks, seven were attributed to Cyclospora cayetanensis; one was attributed to E. coli O157:H7; and one was attributed to Shigella sonnei. T

Preliminary Findings - The following figures summarize the interim sampling results. As the testing is still underway, no conclusions can be drawn at this time.

Domestic Fresh herbs - 

Salmonella  4  positive of 742 samples (0.5%)

E. coli O157:H7 - No positives from 746 samples 

Shiga toxin-Producing E.coli,  - 4 of 742 but these strains were determined to be non-pathogenic.

Cyclospora - 4 positive from 442 samples (0.9%)

Imported Fresh herbs - 

Salmonella - 9 positive rom 459 samples (2.0%)

E. coli O157:H7 - No positives from 468 samples

Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli - 5 positive from 463 although strains were determined to be non-pathogenic.

Cyclospora - 12 positive from 224 samples (5.4%)

Processed Avocados / Guacamole

"Avocados have a high lipid and moisture content, low carbohydrates, and non-acidic pH level, which can make them a favorable growth medium for harmful bacteria. Processed avocado products, including avocado that is fresh cut, refrigerated and frozen, may be packaged and eaten without having undergone a ‘kill step’ prior to consumption. In addition, processing fresh produce into fresh-cut products increases the risk of bacterial growth by breaking the fruit’s skin and allowing for the spread and potential growth of any pathogens that may be present."

"According to the CDC, there were 12 outbreaks of foodborne illness related to avocado, avocado products or guacamole products from 2005 to 2015. Of those 12 outbreaks, nine involved Salmonella and three involved E. coli, resulting in 525 illnesses and 23 hospitalizations in all. Though no listeriosis outbreaks were reported in connection with avocados from 2005 to 2015, a recent sampling assignment by the FDA detected Listeria monocytogenes in samples collected from the fruit’s pulp and skin."

Preliminary Findings - The following figures summarize the interim sampling results. As the testing is still underway, no conclusions can be drawn at this time.

Domestic Processed Avocado / Guacamole 

Salmonella in 2 positive of 775 samples  (0.25%) 

Listeria monocytogenes - 13 positive of 764 samples (1.7%)

Imported Processed Avocado / Guacamole

Salmonella and there were no positives in 110 samples

Listeria - 2  positives in 108 samples (1.8%)

https://www.fda.gov/food/sampling-protect-food-supply/microbiological-surveillance-sampling-fy18-19-fresh-herbs-cilantro-basil-parsley-and-processed
Microbiological Surveillance Sampling: FY18-19 Fresh Herbs (Cilantro, Basil & Parsley) and Processed Avocado and Guacamole Assignments