Trader Joe's Recalls Fresh Basil Across 29 States and Washington, D.C. After Salmonella Outbreak

In response to a federal investigation linking their fresh basil to a dozen cases of salmonella infection across seven states, Trader Joe's has issued a recall on the product sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that one patient among the 12 affected has been hospitalized.

Trader Joe's has taken immediate action by removing the Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil, packaged in 2.5-oz clamshell containers, from their shelves. The affected product was sold between February 1 and April 6. The grocery chain has advised customers who purchased the recalled basil to check their kitchens and discard it. Alternatively, customers may return the product for a full refund.

The recall affects customers in the District of Columbia as well as the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 12 reported cases of salmonella infection linked to the recalled basil are spread across Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. The FDA has identified Infinite Herbs LLC, based in Miami, as the supplier of the contaminated basil. The supplier is currently cooperating with investigators, the FDA confirmed.

The CDC has advised customers to be cautious if they have removed their Trader Joe's basil from its packaging and are uncertain if their product is part of the recall. As a precaution, the CDC recommends not consuming the basil, discarding it, and thoroughly cleaning any surfaces it may have come into contact with to prevent cross-contamination.

Symptoms of salmonella infection can occur between 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food and may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Certain individuals, such as children under five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more severe infections. Anyone experiencing such symptoms is urged to contact their doctor immediately, as stated by the FDA.

The federal investigation into the salmonella outbreak is ongoing, with the FDA actively searching for additional cases and sources of contamination. The most recent salmonella infection within this investigation was reported on April 2.