FDA Issues Alert on Foodborne Illness Associated with Certain Basil
and Mesculin/Spring Mix Salad Products
FDA is issuing an alert to consumers that two outbreak clusters of a
gastrointestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis may be associated
with raw basil and mesculin/spring mix salad served in Texas and
Illinois. The agency is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and state and other health authorities to
determine the cause and scope of the problem.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the ingestion of the Cyclospora parasite
and results in the infection of the small intestine. It causes watery
diarrhea with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other
symptoms include loss of appetite, substantial weight loss, stomach
cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, low-grade fever and fatigue.
Symptoms usually develop about a week after consuming the contaminated
food. Cyclospora infection can be successfully treated with
appropriate antibiotic therapy. Individuals experiencing these
symptoms after consuming basil and mesculin/spring mix salad products
are advised to consult their physicians and notify their local health
departments.

The two outbreak clusters to date a

In February 2004, approximately 57 individuals in Wheaton, Ill. were
reported sick after consuming food containing basil and mesculin
prepared by a restaurant. Twenty of these cases have been confirmed by
laboratory testing to have been stricken with cyclosoriasis.
In that same month 38 people in Irving, Texas were also reported ill
after eating basil and mesculin mix at a local restaurant. Sixteen of
these cases were later confirmed by laboratory testing as
cyclosporiasis.
FDA is actively working with the state and local departments in
tracing back the potentially contaminated product to determine its
source.

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