NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Trader Joe’s voluntarily recalled fresh basil sold in more than half of U.S. states—including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut—because the herb has been linked to a salmonella outbreak.
The product in question is Infinite Herbs brand organic basil sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell packaging between Feb. 1 and April 6, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Trader Joe’s has already removed the basil from stores shelves, the FDA said.
The supplier of the basil—Infinite Herbs, LLC, of Miami, Florida—is cooperating with an ongoing FDA investigation that also involves the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local health agencies.
The CDC has identified 12 people with salmonella across seven of the 29 states where the basil was sold. The majority of those people reported exposure to fresh basil sold at Trader Joe’s before they fell ill, the FDA said.
Of the dozen illnesses, one person required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. No illnesses were in the Tri-State, according to the CDC.
Health officials are still working to identify the source of the contamination and whether any additional products are involved.
Symptoms of salmonella infection usually present 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and can last up to a week. Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Kids and seniors are more at risk of severe infections.
Customers who purchased the basil should discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund, the company said.
Customers with questions may contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 or by email.