STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A salmonella outbreak linked to basil sold at Trader Joe’s has sickened 12 people across seven states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The basil outbreak has been linked to Infinite Herbs brand organic basil, 2.5-ounce clamshell-style containers. They were sold at Trader Joe’s stores in 29 states, including New York. Trader Joe’s has pulled the product from stores and it is no longer available for purchase.
According to the CDC, 12 people are ill due to the outbreak, and one person has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Seven of those sickened purchased or likely purchased the product from Trader Joe’s, according to officials.
Basil sold at Trader Joe's has been linked to a salmonella outbreak, the CDC stated. (Courtesy/FDA)FDA
Illnesses began on dates ranging from Feb. 11 to April 2. The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, according to the CDC. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella.
Recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
Consumers should not eat any contaminated basil. Check your home for contaminated basil and throw it away or return it to Trader Joe’s. Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the basil using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The CDC stated that symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria, and most people recover without treatment after four to seven days. Some people — especially children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems — may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
Call your health-care provider if you have any of these severe salmonella symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
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