Florida company recalls fresh basil due to Salmonella

A Florida company is recalling packaged fresh basil for potential Salmonella contamination.  A product sample was found to positive for Salmonella during FDA routine random sample testing.  Additional product testing conducted at the request of the packer was negative.  The product was shipped to 7 states  in the southeast US and is distributed by Trader Joe's.  There have been no reported illnesses.

It is conceivable that the basil, which is grown outdoors, may come up with that random positive sample of Salmonella while subsequent sampling results are negative.  Decontamination after harvesting is difficult since the product is highly perishable.  Normally the consumer should wash it immediately before use, especially when used in fresh applications.

This is not the first time basil has been found to be positive for Salmonella.  In 2011, an Indiana company recalled basil after FDA testing found a positive sample.



FDA Recall Notice
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm389386.htm

Recall -- Firm Press Release

FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Infinite Herbs, LLC Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Basil Organic Clamshells Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact
Consumer:
305-599-9255
customer_service@infiniteherbs.com

Media:
Amy Philpott
(703) 472-6615
aphilpott@watsongreenllc.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 14, 2014 - Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida is voluntarily recalling one lot of its 2.5 ounce packages of Organic Basil because of potential contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recall only affects one specific lot of Infinite Herbs brand Organic Basil packaged in 2.5 ounce clamshell bearing the "Date Packed 02/21 20422". The "Date Packed" information can be found on the back side label below the country of origin statement. The product was only distributed to Trader Joe's stores located in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southern Virginia and Tennessee.



No illnesses have been reported to date.
The voluntary recall was initiated by Infinite Herbs after routine testing by the FDA revealed the presence of Salmonella in one lot of Organic Basil. Subsequent testing conducted at the request of Infinite Herbs and the retailer on other lots of Organic Basil located at the retail locations, as well as at the grower, resulted in no findings of contamination of any additional lots.

Consumers who have purchased this lot of Infinite Herbs Organic Basil are urged not to eat the product, and to dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-599-9255 or via email to customer_service@infiniteherbs.com.