- On July 26, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released findings from its sampling assignment that collected and tested domestic and imported basil, cilantro, and parsley. FDA sought to estimate the prevalence of Cyclospora, Salmonella, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in these herbs as part of its ongoing effort to ensure food safety and prevent contamination.
- From September 2017 to September 2021, FDA collected and tested 1,383 samples of fresh basil, cilantro, and parsley. The Agency detected Salmonella in 17 samples, detected Cyclospora in 18 samples, and detected STEC in 1 sample. The contaminated products were quickly removed from the market.
- The sampling assignment was conducted in response to food-borne illness outbreaks of Cyclospora, Salmonella, and STEC. From 2000 through 2016, cilantro was potentially linked to at least three outbreaks in the US. And since 2017, the US has experienced at least six additional outbreaks involving basil, cilantro, and parsley. More than 1,200 illnesses and 80 hospitalizations were tied to these outbreaks.