Trader Joe’s Recalls Fresh Basil Linked to a Dozen Salmonella Cases in 7 U.S. States

The retailer said that the recall affects its Infinite Herbs Organic Basil sold between Feb. 1 and April 6 and that people should throw it out if purchased

Trader Joe’s is recalling its packaged basil products due to Salmonella concerns.

The company announced its Infinite Herbs Organic Basil, which is sold in 2.5-ounce packages, has been recalled in several New England and eastern states, after the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] received reports of Salmonella infections linked to the product.

The retailer said the basil sold between Feb. 1 and April 6 “may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella” and advised people who purchased it between that time to throw it out or return to the store with the item for a full refund.

The CDC and Food and Drug Administration [FDA] said in a press release that 12 people across seven states have been infected with an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infection. Seven of the eight people who provided information noted that they had been exposed to the fresh organic basil purchased from the retailer before becoming ill.

Related: At Least 26 People in 11 U.S. States Sickened by Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Turtles, Says CDC

According to the CDC, at least three to four people reported salmonella illness in Florida and Minnesota. New Jersey, Wisconsin, Missouri and Georgia also had at least one or two cases reported. The latest report of Salmonella infection was received on April 2.

The CDC and FDA noted that in response to the investigation, Trader Joe’s “voluntarily” removed the items from its shelves in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington D.C.

Related: 2 Dead, At Least 99 Sick in Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Contaminated Cantaloupes and Cut Fruit

The agency said it traced the origin of the product to the supplier Infinite Herbs, LLC, which is located in Miami.

The CDC said its investigation into the Salmonella outbreak is “ongoing” as they determine the “source of the contamination” and whether additional products may be affected.

Salmonella is usually spread through eating contaminated food or water or through touching infected animals, their feces or environment, according to the CDC’s website.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

People infected with Salmonella usually begin experiencing symptoms anywhere between six hours and six days and their illness can last anywhere between four and seven days, per the CDC. Common symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, along with nausea, vomiting or a headache.

The CDC noted that people should call a doctor if they start experiencing symptoms as the infection can be deadlier for people with a weakened immune system, adults over the age of 65 and infants. People should also seek treatments if their symptoms become severe, including if they have a fever higher than 102°F or diarrhea for more than three days and prolonged vomiting. 

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.