FDA searches for source of E. coli in multi-state outbreak

Federal officials continue to investigate an outbreak of E.coli infections, but a source of the pathogen has not yet been identified.

The Food and Drug Administration first announced the outbreak on April 17, when there were nine patients. The number of patients has grown to 12. The agency has not yet reported where the patients live.

The FDA has begun tracking the E. coli outbreak, but has not reported which food or foods are being traced.

The only other active outbreak investigation under FDA jurisdiction involves organic, fresh basil. The Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak has sickened twelve people, resulting in one hospitalization.

Researchers traced the Salmonella outbreak to fresh organic basil sold by the company Infinite Herbs under its own and Melissa’s brands. Trader Joe’s stores in 30 states sold Infinite Herbs brand basil. Melissa’s brand of basil was sold in Dierbergs stores in Illinois and Missouri.

On April 18, Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, FL, recalled 2.5-ounce packages of Infinite Herbs brand fresh organic basil, which were sold in Trader Joe’s stores in 30 states and Fruit Center Marketplace in Massachusetts from February 1 to April 6. sold.

On April 19, Infinite Herbs LLC expanded the recall to include Melissa’s Organic Basil, which will be sold in 2- and 4-ounce packages at Dierberg stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10 and February 20.

Both brands of recalled basil are no longer for sale and previously purchased basil should be past its expiration date. If you purchased previously recalled basil and then froze it, you should throw it away if it is part of the recall or if you don’t know if it is part of the recall.

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