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Start My Free Case ReviewUpdate: Virginia Firm Recalls Basil for Cyclospora Contamination
The FDA on Feb. 8, 2021, announced that Shenandoah Growers, Inc., is recalling Simple Truth, That’s Tasty, and Shenandoah Growers brand fresh organic basil which may be contaminated with cyclospora bacteria. “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),” FDA said. The recalled basil was distributed to retail stores between 2/3/2021 and 2/4/2021 in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Multistate Outbreak Tied to Fresh Basil From Mexico
Two hundred and five people with laboratory-confirmed Cyclospora infections and who reported eating fresh basil have been reported from 11 states; exposures occurred at restaurants in 5 states (Florida, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin).
The Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 10, 2019 to July 18, 2019. Five people were hospitalized. No deaths attributed to Cyclospora have been reported in this outbreak (as of this writing).
Epidemiologic evidence and early product distribution information indicate that fresh basil from Siga Logistics de RL de CV of Morelos, Mexico is a likely source of this outbreak.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a severe intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The infection is spread by people ingesting something—such as food or water—that has been contaminated with feces.
Cyclospora Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Intestinal gas
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Low-grade fever
Treatment
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra, and Cotrim, are the standard treatment for cyclosporiasis infections. No highly effective alternative antibiotic regimen has been identified yet for patients who do not respond to the standard treatment or have a sulfa allergy, according to the CDC.
Previous Cyclospora Food Poisoning Outbreak Lawsuits
Del Monte Recalls Vegetable Trays Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak
June 19, 2018 – Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is recalling 6 oz., 12 oz. and 28 oz. vegetable trays after they were linked to an outbreak of cyclospora that has sickened at least 78 people in 4 states, according to an FDA recall notice issued on Friday. The recalled veggie trays contain fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots, and dill dip. The products were sold to retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, FDA said.
Update: Nearly 150 Cyclospora Illnesses Linked to Veggie Trays
June 27, 2018 – U.S. health officials continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of the bacterium cyclospora cayetanensis associated with Del Monte vegetable trays, and the case count is up to at least 144 illnesses. The FDA said it’s still working to determine which item in the veggie trays is the source of the outbreak, according to an update issued on Thursday.
About Class Action Lawsuits
Although we are a nationally recognized class action firm, the Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm has decided against the filing of a cyclospora class action suit and is currently filing individual claims on behalf of injured individuals and/or their family members that have been diagnosed with the illness after eating contaminated food.
A class action is a type of lawsuit filed with the court on behalf of large group of people or “class” of individuals that have been injured or wronged. The class is represented by the law firm and the case is generally decided upon a single member of the class who is sometimes referred to as the “class representative or class rep.”
Why Our Law Firm Is Filing Individual Lawsuits Opposed To a Class Action
In some instances, a class action may offer some advantages, as they aggregate a large number of individualized claims into one representational lawsuit. The aggregation can increase the efficiency of the legal process, lower the costs of litigation and in some cases offer the solution to a common problem wherein small recoveries do not provide the incentive for any individual or law firm to file an individual lawsuit.
However, a class action suit can also be a detriment to many class members, as they are often forced into a blanket “low ball settlement” and higher attorney fees. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we understand that our clients are suffering emotionally and economically due to loss of wages and/or high medical bills and we plan to maximize each client’s recovery by filing individual cyclospora lawsuits on their behalf.
Do I Have a Cyclospora Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in cyclospora food poisoning lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cyclospora cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you were the victim of food poisoning and diagnosed with Cyclosporiasis, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.