Trader Joe’s has pulled Infinite Herbs brand basil from its shelves in 29 states after a salmonella outbreak sickened 12 people.
The organic basil was sold in 2.5-ounce plastic containers, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The health organization said people who purchased the basil should not eat it, but should instead throw it away or return it to Trader Joe’s.
FDA
Seven of the 12 people who became ill after eating basil had purchased or likely purchased the product at Trader Joe’s, according to the release. Separately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that people who fell ill were spread across seven states: Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
One person was hospitalized, the agencies added.
Salmonella poisoning can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of infection usually occur between 12 hours and three days after eating contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.
In a statement posted on its website, Grego Berliavsky, CEO of Infinite Herbs, said the company voluntarily recalled certain 2.5-ounce packages of fresh organic basil sold between February 1 and April 6 with UPC 8 18042 02147 7 due to the potential for contamination by it. salmonella.
“I am heartbroken to think that any item we sold may have caused illness or discomfort,” Berliavsky wrote.
FDA
Basil has been removed from Trader Joe’s stores in 29 states as well as Washington, D.C., and is no longer expected to be available for sale. The states concerned are:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- new York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Caroline from the south
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Trader Joe’s said in a statement that people who purchased the basil can return it to the store for a refund. Customers can also call Trader Joe’s at (626) 599-3817 or email customer service here.
