
Packaged fresh organic basil sold at Trader Joe's has been implicated in a new seven-state Salmonella outbreak, according to a report yesterday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
So far 12 people have reported illnesses. There has been 1 hospitalization and no deaths. Minnesota has reported 4 cases, Florida has confirmed 3, and Wisconsin, Georgia, New Jersey, and Missouri have each noted a single case.
Seven patients specify organic basil from Trader Joe's
Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 11, 2024, to April 2, 2024, the CDC said, and patients are 2 to 59 years. In epidemiologic interviews, 10 out of 12 people (83%) reported shopping at Trader Joe's. Of 8 people with information, 7 (88%) said they ate basil in the week prior to illness. Seven case-patients reported buying or likely buying organic basil in 2.5-ounce clamshell-style containers from Trader Joe's.
The organic basil is sold by Infinite Herbs of Miami. Trader Joe's sells the ' product in 29 states. The grocery chain has pulled the product from its shelves, and it stopped shipments of the basil on April 12.
Infinite Herbs will initiate a voluntary recall, the CDC said.
"Do not eat any contaminated basil. Check your home for contaminated basil listed above. Throw it away or return it to Trader Joe's," the CDC in its outbreak notice.