TOPEKA (KSNT) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to herbs sold at Trader Joe’s stores.
Health officials believe the outbreak may stem from Infinite Herbs organic basil sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell packaging. Trader Joe’s has voluntarily removed the basil from store shelves but had previously sold the item at locations in Washington, D.C., and 29 states:
Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Maryland
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
North Carolina
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Vermont
Wisconsin
Infinite Herbs, of Miami, Florida, has also voluntarily recalled the product.
As of April 18, the CDC had identified 12 illnesses linked to the outbreak across seven states: Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. One patient was hospitalized. The CDC estimates the “true number” of sickened individuals to be much higher, as some people may not report their illness or seek medical care.
Illness caused by salmonella infection can begin to show as soon as six hours after ingesting the bacteria or up to six days later, according to the CDC. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, and typically last four to seven days.
The FDA advises consumers in the affected states to check their refrigerators and freezers and to refrain from eating Infinite Herbs organic basil from Trader Joe’s. The FDA has guidelines for safe handling and cleaning if a surface or container may have come in contact with a product to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
The agency also urges consumers to contact a health care provider if they believe they may have symptoms of a salmonella infection.
Infinite Herbs organic basil is currently the only product linked to the outbreak. Officials are investigating whether other herbs could be contaminated.
