Trader Joe's Organic Basil Has Been Recalled Over Salmonella

On April 17, Trader Joe's issued a recall of its Infinite Herbs Organic Basil due to potential salmonella contamination. The product was sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell plastic containers (UPC# 8 18042 02147 7) between February 1, 2024, and April 6, 2024. This latest recall affects 29 states and Washington, D.C. Customers who purchased the basil during that timeframe and live in one of the impacted states — which can be found on the recall announcement — should dispose of the basil, or return it to a Trader Joe's location for a refund.

Salmonella can cause digestive issues such as cramping or diarrhea six hours to six days after exposure. However, individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children may have severe reactions that require antibiotics and hospitalization.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to date, there have been 12 reports of illness, one hospitalization, and zero deaths due to the salmonella outbreak linked to Infinite Herbs Organic Basil. While an FDA investigation is ongoing, this is a voluntary recall issued by Infinite Herbs LLC in Miami, Florida. Contact Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817, or write to the company via its online form if you have any questions about this or previous recalls.

Unfortunately, this isn't Trader Joe's first product recall of 2024. The grocery store, known for its myriad frozen food options, recalled nationwide packages of its frozen, ready-to-eat Trader Joe's Chicken, Lentil, and Caramelized Onion Pilaf on February 2. Although no injuries have been reported, products produced between November 1, 2023, and January 19, 2024, may have been contaminated with rocks.

On February 7, the FDA recalled four products sold at Trader Joe's containing cotija cheese manufactured by Rizo-López Foods, Inc. The following products were pulled from the shelves and discarded due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination: Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, and Southwest Salad. This nationwide recall affected additional retailers, and dairy products produced by Rizo-López Foods.

Two more recalls occurred in March. On March 2, plastic from a permanent marker pen was found in Trader Joe's Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings. CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation processed the six-ounce frozen entree. Finally, specific production lots of Trader Joe's 50% Less Salt Roasted & Salted Whole Cashews were recalled on March 17, due to the potential risk of salmonella contamination. The manufacturer, Wenders LLC of Dublin, California, issued the limited recall in 17 states. Fortunately, there were no reported illnesses related to this contamination.