HEALTH
Fresh Basil Sold At Trader Joe’s Recalled After Being Linked To Salmonella Outbreak
Infinite Herbs
Infinite Herbs is recalling fresh basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores after it was linked to a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 12 people.
Infinite Herbs CEO Grego Berliavsky issued a statement Wednesday announcing the voluntary recall of 2.5-oz packages of fresh organic basil sold between February 1 and April 6, 2024 with UPC 8 18042 02147 7.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that at least 12 people have been sickened in the outbreak so far, with seven of those cases confirmed to have consumed the recalled basil. One of those 12 was hospitalized.
Salmonella is a potentially deadly bacterium, according to the CDC. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and headache. While most healthy people recover from salmonella infection without treatment, it can be potentially fatal for young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Trader Joe’s has pulled the recalled product from its stores, and it is no longer available for purchase. The recalled basil was previously sold at Trader Joe’s stores in Washington, D.C., and 29 states: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI.
The grocer said in a statement that consumers can return the recalled basil to the store for a full refund.
Health officials are warning consumers to check their homes and freezers for the recalled basil, and discard it. Consumers should wash any surfaces the basil may have touched with hot, soapy water.
The CDC said Infinite Herbs is cooperating with the investigation led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we take matters like these very seriously, Berliavsky said. According to the CDC, 12 illnesses are associated with this recall to date. I am heartbroken at the thought that any item we sold may have caused illness or discomfort. We simply will not rest until we can once again be confident in the safety of this product.
TMX contributed to this article.
