Cyclospora Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark : Cyclospora Blog

Friday June 03, 2005 8:53pm

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Contaminated fresh basil is suspected as the most likely cause of an outbreak of the parasitic illness cyclospora that has sickened 300 Floridians, state health officials said Friday. Officials don't know where the basil came from, or where it is being sold, said state Health Secretary John O. Agwunobi.

A spokesman for the Health Department said the federal Food and Drug Administration has agreed to try to trace the product and find out where it came from.

The disease isn't fatal, but can cause severe diarrhea and other painful symptoms.

Cases have been reported in 32 Florida counties in all regions of the state going back to April.

Health officials say people should wash fresh produce to prevent food-borne illnesses, but say that washing may not prevent cyclospora infection.

Cyclospora are microscopic, one-celled organisms that can contaminate fresh produce and burrow in the small intestine.

The illness can be treated with antibiotics or could pass naturally within a period of a few days up to a month.

On the Net:

Florida Department of Health: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/

Federal CDC (website - news) cyclospora page: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cyclospora/default.htm

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OTTAWA, August 3, 2005 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Aliments Fontaine SantÈ Inc. are advising public not to consume the Fontaine SantÈ pesto products described below as they may contain the microorganism Cyclospora cayetanensis which presents a health risk.

The following Fontaine SantÈ products are affected by this alert:

Fontaine SantÈ, Pesto, Fresh Basil, sold in a 180 g package bearing UPC 7 70333 08100 6 and the Best Before dates from 30 AU 05 (August 30, 2005) up to and including 27 SE 05 (September 27, 2005);
Fontaine SantÈ, Pesto Cilantro, sold in a 180 g package bearing UPC 7 70333 08110 5 and the Best Before dates from 11 SE 05 (September 11, 2005) up to and including 25 SE 05 (September 25, 2005);
Fontaine SantÈ, Pesto Fusilli Salad, sold in a 350 g package bearing UPC 7 70333 00135 6 and the Best Before dates from 3 AU 05 (August 3, 2005) up to and including 17 AU 05 (August 17, 2005);
Fontaine SantÈ, Feta Penne Salad, sold in a 350 g package bearing UPC 7 70333 00125 7 and the Best Before dates from 4 AU 05 (August 4, 2005) up to and including 19 AU 05 (August 19, 2005);
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Aliments Fontaine SantÈ Inc., St-Laurent, Quebec, is voluntarily recalling the affected products from the marketplace. The affected products were distributed in Quebec and Ontario.

For general information, food contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis may not look or smell spoiled. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that causes gastrointestinal infection. Usually the symptoms of infection begin about 1 week after exposure and may include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, prolonged fatigue, muscle aches, and low-grade fever. If untreated, the illness can last for weeks to months and symptoms can come and go.

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