Massive Recall Issued For Common Herb — People Across Multiple States Infected

"Fresh organic basil, distributed across over half of the United States, is under recall following its association with a salmonella outbreak spanning at least seven states.

The recall primarily impacts basil sold at Trader Joe’s outlets, as reported by NPR.

To date, one individual among the 12 affected by salmonella has required hospitalization, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Infinite Herbs brand's fresh basil, suspected of contamination, was available at Trader Joe’s stores in the District of Columbia and in numerous states including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, 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.

Additionally, the affected basil was sold at Fruit Center Marketplace outlets in Massachusetts, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The FDA specified that the implicated basil was sold between Feb. 1 and April 6.

Infinite Herbs' recall has been expanded to include Melissa’s-brand organic basil sold by Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri from Feb. 10 to Feb. 20.

According to the CDC, the 12 salmonella cases were linked to the basil, affecting individuals in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

"The actual number of affected individuals in this outbreak is likely higher than reported, and the outbreak may extend beyond the states with confirmed cases," stated the CDC.

The CDC noted that many individuals who contracted salmonella may have recovered without being tested, while in other instances, it may be too early to confirm involvement in the outbreak.

As reported by NPR, the Infinite Herbs organic basil was a common factor in seven cases.

"Our top priorities are your health and safety, and we treat matters like these with utmost seriousness," said Grego Berliavsky, CEO of Infinite Herbs, in a statement on the company's website.

"I am deeply saddened by the possibility that any of our products may have caused illness or discomfort. We are committed to resolving this issue until we can ensure the safety of this product once again," he stated.

"Fresh basil naturally deteriorates and expires within five to seven days, so we are confident that the recalled basil is no longer in circulation. However, if you have Infinite Herbs organic basil purchased between Feb. 1 and April 6 stored in your freezer, refrain from consuming it.

"All farms we source from must adhere to U.S. food safety regulations, meet buyer standards, and provide documentation verifying food safety practices," Berliavsky added.

"We procured the recalled basil from a single farm, which is no longer operational. We are collaborating with the farmer to conduct an internal investigation into food safety practices. Our objective through this investigation is to identify the cause of this recall and implement measures to prevent its recurrence," he concluded.