(NewsReady.com) – Trader Joe’s has become one of the most popular grocery chains in the US. The company combines an upscale feel with affordable prices. Recently, it made national headlines because of a salmonella recall linked to a product sold at its stores.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) announced Trader Joe’s voluntarily removed fresh herbs from its shelf after they were linked to a salmonella outbreak. According to the notice, a Florida-based company, Infinite Herbs, packaged contaminated organic basil.
The CDC collected epidemiological information and found 12 people were infected by the same strain of salmonella. The infections spanned across seven states. Seven of eight cases, where information was available, reported eating fresh basil from Trader Joe’s before they got sick.
The product was sold in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging in the following places:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Kansas
- Florida
- Indiana
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- Kentucky
- Maine
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Nebraska
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- New York
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Washington, DC
The basil was sold at the stores between February 1 and April 6.
Salmonella infections usually occur within 12 to 72 hours after a person eats contaminated food. The symptoms can last from four to seven days. An infected person might experience a fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, chills, headache, and bloody bowel movements.
The Mayo Clinic recommends people seek medical attention if the person who is infected is a young child, infant, someone with a weak immune system (like a pregnant woman or someone with cancer), or an older adult. If someone is infected with the bacteria and sees a high fever or blood in their stools, they should contact a healthcare provider. Another warning sign of a severe infection is dehydration. Symptoms include dark urine and a dry tongue or mouth.
If a consumer purchased the basil, they should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.
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