Shenandoah Growers has recalled 3,240 units of fresh-cut, packaged organic basil because it may be contaminated with the parasite cyclospora.
The problem was found when a sample of the basil, which was imported from Columbia, was found to contain the parasite during a Food and Drug Administration routine test. No illnesses have been reported.
Summary
In 2018, a domestic-produce associated cyclosporiasis outbreak and the first Cyclospora detection on domestic produce demonstrated the need for a better understanding of Cyclospora prevalence in US produce growing environments. The Southeastern Coastal Plain growing region has several risk factors that warrant the evaluation of Cyclospora prevalence, including a farm worker population from Cyclospora-endemic areas, use of surface water for irrigation, and heavy rainfall that could transport Cyclospora into surface waters. The proposed study will assess Cyclospora prevalence in this region through two Georgia industry partners representing growing practices across the southeastern US. Human sewage samples from municipal wastewater influents and on-farm portable toilets will be tested to assess Cyclospora shedding in the region and on-farm, respectively. Cyclospora prevalence in the agricultural environment will be assessed in irrigation water and on produce (via a proxy measurement). Using newly developed tools, Cyclospora contamination found will be traced through the produce growing process by genetic typing to match detections between samples and by assessing parasite’s maturation state to approximate time since shedding. This study will add to the understanding of Cyclospora contamination in US produce growing environments and provide information about contamination routes to produce within the Southeastern US.
Technical Abstract
The increased frequency of produce-associated cyclosporiasis outbreaks highlights Cyclospora cayetanensis as an important emerging foodborne pathogen. Most produce associated cyclosporiasis outbreaks have implicated produce grown in areas where the disease is endemic. However, the 2018 detection of C. cayetanensis on US-grown produce and a cyclosporiasis outbreak associated with US-grown produce highlights the need for a better understanding of C. cayetanensis prevalence in US
agricultural environments and of the risks of oocyst contamination to domestically grown produce. The aims of the current study are to assess C. cayetanensis prevalence in irrigation water, harvested produce (via spent packing house water as a proxy), on-farm portable toilets, and municipal wastewater influents in the Southeastern Coastal Plain growing region in Georgia. Georgia vegetable growers produce a wide variety of ready-to-eat produce and utilize well water- and surface water-fed irrigation water holding ponds for produce irrigation, similar to other large agricultural regions in the US. Georgia growing regions are also subject to heavy rainfalls, which we have shown contributes to human fecal contamination of irrigation ponds in the region. Additionally, a majority of the farm workers harvesting
produce are from Cyclospora-endemic regions, representing a potential shedding source C. cayetanensis oocysts.
C. cayetanensis prevalence in the agricultural environment will be assessed by analyzing large-volume (50 L) irrigation water samples on eight farms monthly during non-harvesting periods and twice a month during harvest. At most, one additional irrigation water sample will be collected per month following heavy rainfall. The prevalence of C. cayetanensis from harvested produce will be assessed by analyzing large-volume (up to 50 L) of spent rinse and wash water from packing houses as a proxy measurement. Generic Escherichia coli and the human-specific Bacteroides HF183 fecal marker will be assessed to evaluate the overall and human-specific fecal contamination, respectively, in the water samples. Human sewage samples from municipal wastewater influents and on-farm portable toilets will be analyzed to assess the prevalence of C. cayetanensis shedding in the region generally and on the farm environment, respectively. C. cayetanensis detections will be subsequently analyzed to determine the genotype and sporulation state of detected oocysts, in order to estimate oocyst maturation level and compare the genetic relatedness of oocysts detected in various sample matrices. The typing information will allow for C. cayetanensis contamination to be traced through the growing process. The maturation data will allow for an estimate of the time spent in the environment after shedding from the human host and of potential health risks associated with consumption of contaminated produce, as maturation state determines infectivity of the parasite.
Data from this project will aid in the understanding of the domestic prevalence of C. cayetanensis in agricultural environments and provide the information needed to begin answering questions related to domestic C. cayetanensis produce contamination risks and identify best practices for risk reduction. Additionally, the evaluation of the human-specific fecal marker can provide insight into how Georgia vegetable growing practices are potentially preventing environmental and produce contamination.
Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Research
Shenandoah Growers, Inc (Harrisonburg, VA) out of an abundance of caution, has issued a limited, voluntary recall of approximately 3240 units of branded fresh cut, packaged organic basil clamshells packed at its Indianapolis, Indiana location due to a possible health risk from Cyclospora.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite. A person may become infected after ingesting contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, body aches and fatigue. The infection is treated with antibiotics and most people respond quickly to treatment.
Only the following specific lot codes are affected:
PV40515 1034 PV40515 3034 PV40515 4034 PV40515 3035
The affected product has a country of origin of Colombia and was harvested entirely from Puerto Vallarta Herbs SAS (Farm) and imported by Vallarta Organics LLC dba Organic Destiny (Importer).
Affected lot codes shipped:
| Lot Code: | Pack Date: | Brand: | Size: | Location | UPC: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 0.75 oz | Indianapolis Fruit | 7-68573-00101-4 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 2.0 oz | Indianapolis Fruit | 7-68573-02143-2 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 4.0 oz | Indianapolis Fruit | 7-68573-00141-0 |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | That’s Tasty (Pasta Blend) | 0.5 oz | Vine Line Produce | 7-68573-52008-9 |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | That’s Tasty | 0.5 oz | Vine Line Produce | 7-68573-50502-4 |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 4 oz | Vine Line Produce Bulk | N/A |
| PV40515 3034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 1 lb. | Vine Line Produce Bulk | N/A |
| PV40515 4034 | 2/3/2021 | Simple Truth | 3.0 oz | Kroger | 0-11110-00876-3 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | That’s Tasty | 0.25 oz | J&J Distributing | 7-68573-02515-7 |
| PV40515 1034 | 2/3/2021 | Shenandoah Growers by That’s Tasty | 0.75 oz | J&J Distributing | 7-68573-00101-4 |
| PV40515 3035 | 2/4/2021 | That’s Tasty | 3.0 oz | Schnucks | 7-68573-53001-9 |
Recalled products were distributed to select retail stores between 2/3/2021 to 2/4/2021 in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
This recall notification is being issued due to a single instance in which a sample of bulk product was pulled at the port of entry in Miami and tested by the FDA as part of routine surveillance and indicated the potential presence of Cyclospora.
Affected Shenandoah Growers customers have been notified of the recall and instructed to immediately remove and discard recalled products from all store shelves, distribution and other inventories to ensure they are no longer available for sale or consumption.
The Shenandoah Growers recall includes only those clamshells of certified organic basil clearly marked with the affected lot codes listed above. The lot code can be found printed on each clamshell.
No other Shenandoah Growers products are subject to recall, and the company has no knowledge of any illness reported or related to this product to date.
Consumers who may have a recalled basil product should discard it immediately and not eat it. Consumers with questions, or to obtain refunds, may contact the Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center at 844-896-6939 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST.
Shenandoah Growers takes food safety matters very seriously, and stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Shenandoah Growers is working in close coordination with regulatory officials, including the FDA, on this matter.
Company Contact Information
Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center
844-896-6939
Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food contamination, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Technology, Food Testing, foodborne disease, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak
Product Description: Organic Basil,15 bags, Net. Wt.15Lbs case.
Reason for Recall:Possible contamination with Cyclospora
Product Quantity:280 boxes/4200 pounds
Recall Number:F-0185-2021
Code Information:Lot#LP814
Classification:Class II
Event ID:86877
Voluntary / Mandated:
Voluntary: Firm initiated
Product Type:Food
Initial Firm Notification of Consignee or Public:Two or more of the following: Email, Fax, Letter, Press Release, Telephone, Visit
Status:Ongoing
Distribution Pattern:Distributed to direct accounts in VA and FL
Recalling Firm:Vallarta Organics LLC
1 S Prospect Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33133-7003
United States
Recall Initiation Date:11/27/2020
Center Classification Date:12/22/2020
Shenandoah Growers, Harrisonburg, Va., has recalled about 15,000 units of organic basil in select packages, due to a possible health risk from Cyclospora.
The recall is limited and voluntary, according to a Food and Drug Administration news release.
These items were packed under branded and private label fresh-cut, USDA-certified organic basil clamshells at its Jefferson, Ga., facility and Harrisonburg facilities with 19 lot codes, all with the country of origin of Colombia.
Recalled products were distributed to retail stores between Oct. 20-30 in states including Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Washington, D.C.
No other Shenandoah Growers products are subject to recall, and the company has no knowledge of any illness reported or related to this product, according to the release.
Shenandoah Growers, Inc (Harrisonburg, VA) out of an abundance of caution, has issued a limited, voluntary recall of approximately 15,000 units in select packages, due to a possible health risk from Cyclospora.
These were packed under branded and private label fresh cut organic certified basil clamshells at its Jefferson, GA facility and Harrisonburg, VA facility with the following lot codes, all with the country of origin of Colombia. Recalled products were distributed to select retail stores between 10/20/2020 and 10/30/2020 in various states including Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Washington DC.
Affected lot codes:
|
LOT Number: |
Brand: |
Size: |
UPC: |
|---|---|---|---|
| PV14334C296 | The Fresh Market | 0.5oz | 7-37094-23027-2 |
| PV64308E304 | Good & Gather | 0.5oz | 0-85239-12215-0 |
| PV64308C296 | Naturally Better | 0.5oz | 6-07880-20230-4 |
| PV64308A300 | Naturally Better | 0.5oz | 6-07880-20230-4 |
| PV64308D300 | Naturally Better | 0.5oz | 6-07880-20230-4 |
| PV14334E297 | Nature’s Promise | 4.0oz | 6-88267-16220-6 |
| PV14334E297 | Nature’s Promise | 2.5 oz | 6-88267-54893-2 |
| PV14334E297 | Nature’s Promise | 0.5oz | 6-88267-19910-3 |
| PV14334B296 | Nature’s Promise | 0.5oz | 6-88267-19910-3 |
| PV14334C297 | O Organics | 0.66oz | 0-79893-98072-0 |
| PV 14334E297 | O Organics | 4.0oz | 0-79893-98081-2 |
| PV64308B294 | Simple Truth | 3.0oz | 0-11110-00876-3 |
| PV64308D297 | Simple Truth | 3.0oz | 0-11110-00876-3 |
| PV64308E295 | That’s Tasty | 3.0oz | 7-68573-53001-9 |
| PV64308E296 | That’s Tasty | 2.0oz | 7-68573-51510-8 |
| PV64308A298 | That’s Tasty | 3.0oz | 7-68573-53001-9 |
| PV14334C296 | Wild Harvest | 0.25oz | 7-11535-50450-4 |
| PV14334C296 | Wild Harvest | 4.0oz | 7-11535-50323-1 |
| PV14334C296 | Wild Harvest | 2.0oz | 7-11535-50762-8 |
The Shenandoah Growers recall includes only those clamshells of certified organic basil clearly marked with the affected lot codes listed above. The lot code can be found printed on each clamshell.
This precautionary recall notification is being issued due to an isolated instance in which a package pulled by the Florida Department of Agriculture on 11/2/2020 from a retail store in Florida indicated the potential presence of Cyclospora.
Affected Shenandoah Growers customers have been notified of the recall and instructed to immediately remove and discard recalled products from all store shelves, distribution and other inventories to ensure they are no longer available for sale or consumption.
These products were harvested and packed nearly 4 weeks ago and should no longer be in commerce.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite. A person may become infected after ingesting contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, body aches and fatigue. The infection is treated with antibiotics and most people respond quickly to treatment.
No other Shenandoah Growers products are subject to recall, and the company has no knowledge of any illness reported or related to this product.
Consumers who may have a recalled basil product should discard it immediately and not eat it. Consumers with questions, or to obtain refunds, may contact the Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center at 844-896-6939 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Eastern time.
Shenandoah Growers takes food safety matters very seriously, and stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Shenandoah Growers is working in close coordination with regulatory officials, including the FDA, on this matter.
Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food contamination, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Parasite
The parasite, Cyclospora, continues to provide illness and intrigue.
Florida-based Southeastern Grocers has issued a voluntary recall for its “SE Grocers Naturally Better Organic Fresh Cut Basil” following the detection of Cyclospora.
The company says the product was delivered through all of its distribution centers and sold in all its stores, including Winn-Dixie, BI-LO, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarkets. The basil comes in a 0.5-ounce container with UPC code 6-07880-20230-4.
The latest recall follows a summer outbreak of Cyclospora in the U.S. linked to Fresh Express and private label brand salad products produced at its Streamwood, IL facility that contain iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and/or carrots.
690 people with laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections and who reported eating bagged salad mix before getting sick weren reported from 13 states (Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin).
Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 11, 2020 to July 20, 2020.
37 people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Parasite
As of November 4, 2020, 370 confirmed cases of Cyclospora illness were reported in the following provinces and territories: British Columbia (1), Ontario (255), Quebec (105), New Brunswick (1), Newfoundland and Labrador (6), and Nunavut (2). Individuals became sick between mid-May and late August 2020. Ten individuals were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Individuals who became ill were between 0 and 83 years of age. The illnesses are distributed equally among men (50%) and women (50%).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) inspected your bagged salad operation located at 1109 East Lake Street, Streamwood, IL 60107, from June 25, 2020 through July 23, 2020. The inspection was initiated as part of an investigation of a multistate foodborne outbreak of cyclosporiasis (human infections with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis). As of September 23, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 701 people from 14 states have been infected with Cyclospora cayetanensis. Based on epidemiological and traceback evidence, CDC and FDA have determined that bagged salad mixes containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage manufactured at your Streamwood, IL facility were the source of this multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak. On June 19, 2020, you recalled bagged salad mix containing iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots, because they had the potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis infections occurring in three Canadian provinces in which Fresh Express brand salad products containing iceberg lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. This is the second outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to Fresh Express product. In 2018, a multistate foodborne outbreak of cyclosporiasis involving 511 confirmed cases from 15 states was linked to salads sold at a fast food restaurant and manufactured at your Streamwood, IL facility.
Posted in Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, FDA, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Research, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak
September 25, 2020
As of September 25, 2020, CDC has announced this outbreak is over. FDA’s traceback investigation is complete, however the cause or source of the outbreak has not been determined. FDA’s investigation is continuing, in consultation with the state agriculture and regional water board.
FDA investigated multiple farms identified in the traceback, one of which led to sampling and investigation around a farm in south Florida. FDA continues to work with the state of Florida and the local water district to try to determine the source and impact of Cyclospora that was found in the regional water management canal (C-23), located west of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Given the emerging nature of genetic typing methodologies for this parasite in foods and in environmental samples, the FDA has been unable to determine if the Cyclospora detected in the canal is a genetic match to the clinical cases, therefore, there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine the source of this outbreak. However, the presence of Cyclospora in a canal that had previously supplied irrigation water in the region, and specifically to a farm identified in the traceback, suggests the need for a collaborative effort by state, federal and industry partners to better define the scope of the contamination and identify appropriate risk mitigation measures.
Posted in CDC, Cyclospora, Cyclosporiasis, Death, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, food death, food handler, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Hygiene, microbial contamination, Microbiology, Parasite, pathogenic
