Fresh Basil Recalled in 29 States for Potential Salmonella

Trader Joe’s issued a recall for Infinite Herbs Organic Basil yesterday after a CDC investigation found that organic basil sold under the Infinite Herbs brand “may be contaminated with salmonella and be making people sick.”

As of April 17, a “total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of salmonella have been reported from 7 states,” with the first illness reported on Feb. 11, 2024, and the most recent on April 2, 2024. Of those 12 people, one was hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. 

The CDC also believes the actual number of people affected during the outbreak is much higher because not everyone reports their illness. It’s also possible that the outbreak is not limited to just states with known illnesses. The states where the recalled herbs were distributed include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as Washington DC.

How to Identify the Recalled Trader Joe’s Organic Basil

The Infinite Herbs Organic Basil was sold in 2.5-ounce plastic clamshell packaging between Feb. 1, 2024, and April 6, 2024, with the UPC# 8 18042 02147 7. The basil has been removed from all Trader Joe's stores but may still be in consumers' homes. 

Trader Joe's instructs shoppers who purchased the product during the date range to "please discard it or return it to any Trader Joe's for a full refund."

Customers can contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817 or through Trader Joe's website.