Trader Joe’s Basil Recall Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

Update: Basil Recall Expanded to Include Melissa’s Brand Organic Basil

According to the FDA’s notice from April 19, 2024 – Infinite Herbs LLC is expanding its recall to include Melissa’s brand fresh organic basil in 2.0 oz ( 96 packages, UPC 0 45255 14142 9) and 4.0 oz packages (24 packages, UPC 0 45255 14439 0) [1]. Affected basil products were sold at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10th and 20th, 2024.

This product is part of the lot that was previously recalled and, therefore, has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, FDA said.

Where Was the Recalled Trader Joe’s Basil Sold?

According to an FDA Recall Notice [2] issued on April 17, 2024, the recalled Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil was packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging and sold at Trader Joe’s stores in AL, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, and WI.

Based on epidemiological information collected by the CDC, a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states. Seven of eight cases with information available reported exposure to fresh organic basil purchased from Trader Joe’s before becoming ill. Additionally, traceback data collected by the FDA determined that Infinite Herbs, LLC, in Miami, FL, was the supplier of the 2.5-oz packages of organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Trader Joe’s has taken the voluntary step of removing all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packaged in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging from their stores. This product should no longer be on sale.

The investigation is continuing to identify the source of contamination and ascertain if any other products are associated with the illnesses.

Trader Joe’s Salmonella Basil Case Counts

• Total Illnesses: 12
• Hospitalizations: 1
• Deaths: 0
• Last Illness Onset: April 2, 2024
• States with Cases: FL, GA, MN, MO, NJ, RI, WI
• Product Distribution: Trader Joe’s stores in AL, CT, D.C., DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI

FDA Recommendation on Trader Joe’s Basil

If you’ve purchased organic basil from Trader Joe’s stores in the above states, it’s important to check your refrigerator and freezer and avoid consuming 2.5-oz packages of Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil.

This product should no longer be available at Trader Joe’s and may be past its shelf life. If you’ve already bought organic basil from Trader Joe’s but aren’t sure if it’s the affected brand, it’s best not to eat or use it and dispose of it instead.

Follow the FDA’s safe handling and cleaning guidelines, and take extra care to clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with this product to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. If you suspect you have symptoms of a Salmonella infection after consuming the 2.5-oz packages of Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil from Trader Joe’s, contact your healthcare provider.

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FAQs

Can pets be affected by Cyclospora contamination in basil?

While Cyclospora primarily affects humans, it is best to avoid feeding contaminated basil to pets and consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has consumed contaminated produce.

How do recalls impact the reputation of companies like Trader Joe’s?

Recalls can significantly impact a company’s reputation, leading to loss of consumer trust, decreased sales, and potential legal and financial consequences. Companies often take measures to address the issue and restore confidence.

What legal recourse do consumers have if they suffer long-term health effects from contaminated basil?

Consumers suffering long-term health effects from contaminated basil can seek compensation through legal action, including filing lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Consult with a lawyer to explore your options.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Do I Have a Trader Joe’s Basil Recall Lawsuit?

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Trader Joe’s Basil Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new salmonella cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one developed symptoms of a salmonella infection after eating foods that contained recalled basil, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.

References:

1. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/infinite-herbs-llc-expands-recall-fresh-organic-basil-include-melissas-brand-organic-basil-received
2. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-organic-basil-april-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery