Trader Joe’s recalled organic basil after it was linked to a Salmonella outbreak that sickened 12 people and hospitalized one person across seven states.
The outbreak has been linked to Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging that was sold at Trader Joe’s stores in 30 states, including Michigan.
Trader Joe’s has removed all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging from their stores and it is not available for sale anymore. Investigators are still working to determine the source of contamination and whether more products are linked to illnesses.
What should you do?
People are encouraged to check their fridge or freezer for recalled products. Do not eat them. The products should be thrown away or returned to the store.
You should wash surfaces and containers that may have touched the recalled product using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis.
Most people infected with salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.
Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.
Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe salmonellosis infections.
More information on this recall is available at FDA.gov.