Salmonella outbreak linked to Infinite Herbs brand organic basil sold at Trader Joe's
Product photo courtesy of CDC.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
A Salmonella outbreak has occurred in 7 states within the United States, with 12 people ill, 1 of whom required hospitalization. No deaths had occurred as of April 21, 2024.
Seven people who became sick with Salmonella purchased or likely purchased Infinite Herbs brand organic basil in 2.5 ounce clamshell-style containers sold from Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s has pulled this product from ita stores, and it is no longer available for purchase.
Infinite Herbs is cooperating with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation and has initiates a voluntarily recall of this product.
This item was sold at Trader Joe’s stores in 29 states and Washington, D.C., that include: 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.
What You Should Do
• Do not eat any contaminated basil. Check your home for the contaminated basil listed above. Throw it away or return it to Trader Joe’s.
• Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the basil, using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F.
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down.
• Signs of dehydration, such as:
• Not urinating (peeing) much.
• Dry mouth and throat.
• Feeling dizzy when standing up.
What Businesses Should Do
• Do not sell or serve contaminated basil listed above.
• Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with contaminated basil.
Symptoms of Salmonella
• Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
• Symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.
• Most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days.
• Some people — especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems — may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.