Publisher’s Platform: What You Need to Know About Salmonella During the Basil Outbreak

As of April 17, 2024, a total of 12 people had been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Reports have been made from seven states: Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. Illnesses began on dates ranging from February 11, 2024 to April 2, 2024. Of the 11 people for whom information was available, 1 person was hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Of the twelve people surveyed, ten (83%) reported shopping at Trader Joe’s. Seven sick people reported purchasing or likely purchasing organic basil in 2.5 oz clamshell-style containers from Trader Joe’s. In addition, traceback data collected by the FDA revealed that Infinite Herbs, LLC, in Miami, Florida, was the supplier of the 2.5 oz packages of organic basil sold in Trader Joe’s stores.

While this investigation is ongoing, you should not eat Infinite Herbs organic basil sold in Trader Joe’s stores in those 29 states and Washington DC. The basil was sold in clamshell-style packages of 2.5 oz. Researchers are investigating whether more products may be contaminated.

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