It's not a commonly cited microorganism—here's how it may have affected more than 1,200 cases, and what the event can teach us.
Fresh herbs add bright, aromatic flavor to everyday food prep, as well as added nutrients (one microgreen is said to be the healthiest vegetable you can eat). That said, greens are also one of the foods that carry the greatest contamination risk. A series of recent recalls affecting one of the most commonly used kitchen herbs is an unfortunate—but growing—case and point.
In November 2025, 474 cases of fresh parsley were recalled at the FDA’s highest risk level, citing Salmonella concerns. Now this week, federal health officials are alerting consumers and food distributors to a nationwide recall involving more than 51,000 bunches of fresh Italian parsley that reportedly may be contaminated with a microscopic parasite known to cause gastrointestinal illness.
According to the health authority’s latest report, the recall affects Italian parsley distributed by MAYEJ COMERCIALIZADORA S. de R.L. de C.V., a company based in Mexico. In total, 1,288 cases—each weighing 24 pounds and containing 40 bunches per box, for a total of 30,912 pounds—are said to have been implicated in the recall. The FDA says were packaged in large, commercial-format boxes and distributed across the United States.
The reason for the recall is potential contamination with Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite that can cause cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness characterized by prolonged diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach cramps. According to the Cleveland Clinic, infections are not usually life-threatening, and can be treated with antibiotics. However, “symptoms can come and go and may last weeks or months,” they note.
According to the FDA, fresh produce—including fruits, vegetables, and herbs—are common carriers for the pathogen. “Cyclospora is generally transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water. It’s unlikely to be transmitted directly from person to person because the Cyclospora parasite needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person,” the agency notes. From the details of the report, it’s not clear whether any possible source may have been human or animal.
While the recall was first initiated on September 26, 2025, this week a January 12, 2026 update has identified the event as a Class II recall. A Class II designation is defined as “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
The product is associated with multiple invoice numbers tied to individual shipments (these are listed on the report in Spanish as “Factura”) along with additional lot codes. These include:
- Factura 154 – 75530:
- 1434328
- 1434330
- 1434330
- 1434331
- 1434331
- 1434333
- 1434334
- Factura 168 – 75613:
- 1436064
- 1436065
- 1436066
- 1436067
- 1436068
- 1436069
- 1436070
- 1436071
- Factura 177 – 75700:
- 1437701
- 1437702
- 1437703
- 1437704
- 1437705
- 1437706
- 1437707
- 1737708
The report does not say how the products were distributed, and it is not clear whether they were sold direct-to-consumers via retail outlets or through foodservice channels. However, shoppers or foodservice operators who may have received this parsley should follow FDA guidance for disposal and sanitation to reduce the risk of illness.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:
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