Shenandoah Growers recalls some Colombian fresh-cut, organic basil

Shenandoah Growers, Harrisonburg, Va., has issued a limited, voluntary recall of about 3,240 units of branded fresh-cut, packaged organic basil clamshells packed at its Indianapolis, Ind., location due to a possible health risk from cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite, often after ingesting contaminated food or water, according to a news release.

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, according to the release.

Only the following specific lot codes are affected: PV40515 1034, PV40515 3034, PV40515 4034 and PV40515 3035.

The affected product has a country of origin of Colombia and was harvested entirely from the Puerto Vallarta Herbs SAS farm and imported by Vallarta Organics LLC, or Organic Destiny.

Recalled products were distributed to select retail stores between Feb. 3-4 in these 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 Food and Drug Administration, 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 it is 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, 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, according to the release.

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 stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks, according to the release. Shenandoah Growers is working in close coordination with regulatory officials, including the FDA, on this matter.

For more information, call the Shenandoah Growers Consumer Response Center 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time weekdays at 844-896-6939.