Trader Joe’s basil linked to salmonella outbreak — what to know about the foodborne illness

This is rotten news: Fresh basil sold at Trader Joe’s locations across the country have been voluntarily recalled after being linked to a spike in salmonella infections.

The Infinite Herbs organic basil was pulled from shelves this week after salmonella bacteria sickened 12, including one hospitalization, across seven states, the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.

The herb was sold at Trader Joe’s locations in 29 states, including New York, and has since been voluntarily recalled by the grocery chain.

According to the FDA, the investigation is “ongoing” and the agency urged shoppers to check their refrigerators and throw out any cases of the Infinite Herbs basil.

Dairy products, fruits, vegetables, undercooked eggs and raw meat, seafood or poultry are among the most common foods tainted by salmonella as a result of cross-contamination from infected surfaces or mishandling with with improperly washed hands.

When preparing food, it’s vital to practice food safety measures, like washing surfaces and hands thoroughly to avoid illness, as well as using different utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked products.

Food poisoning symptoms related to salmonella infection usually begin 8 to 72 hours after ingestion, per Mayo Clinic, and most commonly causes diarrhea, fever, nausea, chills and abdominal cramping, although severe cases may result in dehydration and complications that require hospitalization.

Most people, however, make a full recovery in a matter of days.