The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other authorities are investing a multistate outbreak of cyclospora illnesses potentially linked to fresh basil imported from Mexico.

It has advised consumers not to eat basil exported by Siga Logistics de RL de CV located in Morelos, Mexico, and for restaurants, retailers, distributors, importers and suppliers not to sell or serve its basil.

So far there have been 132 illnesses and four hospitalizations, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

The FDA suspects the basil was served at restaurants in four states - Florida, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio.

The cases in the outbreak from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Although the investigation is ongoing, CDC’s analysis of epidemiologic information indicates that contaminated fresh basil is the "likely" cause of the illnesses.

The FDA’s traceback investigation indicates that the fresh basil available at points of sale where consumers became ill was exported to the U.S. by Siga Logistics. The FDA has requested a voluntary recall and the firm has agreed.

It has also increased import screening on basil and will continue to investigate the cause and source of the outbreak as well as the distribution of products.  

As this outbreak investigation continues, the FDA will work with its Mexican food safety regulatory counterparts to better define the cause and source of this outbreak.