Trader Joe’s has initiated a recall of packaged herbs associated with a salmonella outbreak affecting several states, the supermarket chain disclosed this week.
The affected product, Infinite Herbs organic basil, was distributed in 2.5-ounce clamshell containers between February 1 and April 6 across 29 states and Washington, D.C., according to Trader Joe’s statement released on Wednesday.
Federal authorities have reported 12 cases of salmonella infection across seven states, with one individual requiring hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated that seven out of eight cases involved exposure to fresh organic basil purchased from Trader Joe’s before the onset of illness. The FDA’s traceback investigation identified Florida-based Infinite Herbs as the supplier of the basil to Trader Joe’s.
Grego Berliavsky, the head of Infinite Herbs, expressed remorse over the situation and confirmed the company’s voluntary recall of the product. “We are deeply saddened by the possibility that our product may have contributed to illness or discomfort,” Berliavsky stated in a press release. He urged consumers to check their freezers for the recalled basil, emphasizing its expiration after five to seven days.
Furthermore, Berliavsky assured that the basil in question originated from a single farm, which is no longer operational. Infinite Herbs is collaborating with the farm to conduct an internal investigation into food safety practices, aiming to identify the cause of the recall and implement preventive measures.
Salmonella infection symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing within six hours to six days after exposure. While most cases resolve within a week without treatment, vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems may experience severe complications.
Trader Joe’s advised customers to discard the recalled basil or return it to the store for a full refund. The FDA confirmed the distribution of the product in multiple states, including Alabama, New York, and Pennsylvania. This development follows a recent recall of cashews by Trader Joe’s in March, which also involved potential salmonella contamination.
