Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Basil Sold At VA, DC Trader Joe’s

VIRGINIA — Basil sold at Trader Joe’s in multiple states, including Virginia and the District of Columbia, has been linked to an outbreak of salmonella that has sickened a dozen people in seven states, the retailer said this week.

No illnesses have been reported in Virginia or DC to date, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The product, Infinite Herbs organic basil, was sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell packages between Feb. 1 and April 6 in Trader Joe’s stores in 29 states and the District of Columbia.

Stores in Virginia include:

• Alexandria
• Arlington
• Ashburn
• Bailey's Crossroads
• Centreville
• Charlottesville
• Fairfax
• Falls Church
• Glen Allen
• Leesburg
• Newport News
• Reston
• Richmond
• Springfield
• Virginia Beach
• West Springfield
• Williamsburg

DC store:

• Washington

Seven of eight people with salmonella infections reported eating basil they’d purchased at Trader Joe’s, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Traceback” data determined the basil was produced by Florida-based Infinite Herbs, LLC, the agency said.

One person was hospitalized after becoming infected with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious illnesses or even death.

Salmonella infection symptoms, including fever, diarrhea and stomach cramps, usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover within a week without medical treatment, the CDC said.

States where the basil was sold also include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia.

Salmonella infections were reported in Minnesota (four), Florida (three), and Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, each with one illness.