CDC: Basil sold at Trader Joe's pulled from shelves in 29 states over salmonella concerns

Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press
·1 min read

If you've recently bought basil from Trader Joe's, toss it out.

Health officials have received reports of salmonella infections in seven states linked to Infinite Herbs organic basil sold at Trader Joe's stores in 29 states, including Michigan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said 12 infections have been reported and one person has been hospitalized. So far, no illnesses have been reported in Michigan, according to the CDC's map of states with infections. There have been no deaths reported.

Trader Joe's has issued a voluntary recall for packages of 2.5oz Infinite Herbs Organic Basil over concerns of Salmonella potentially impacting customers in 29 different states.
Trader Joe's has issued a voluntary recall for packages of 2.5oz Infinite Herbs Organic Basil over concerns of Salmonella potentially impacting customers in 29 different states.

The CDC alert states the basil was sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell-style containers. Trader Joe's has ceased shipments and removed the product from stores.

Symptoms of salmonella usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Most people, the CDC said, recover without treatment after 4-7 days. Salmonella can cause severe infections in those with weakened immune systems, children younger than five, and adults older than 65.

What to do:

  • Consumers should check their refrigerators for Infinite Herbs organic basil purchased from Trader Joe's.

  • Clean and wash surfaces and containers that may have touched the product using hot soapy water, including refrigerator shelves and cutting boards.

Businesses should:

  • Not sell Infinite Herbs organic basil purchased from Trader Joe's.

  • Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with the basil.

For information or questions about salmonella, go to cdc.gov.

Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: CDC pulls Infinite Herbs basil sold at Trader Joe's for salmonella