Melissa’s brand organic, fresh basil added to recall linked to Salmonella illnesses

A fresh outbreak of Salmonella infections has been tied to another brand of organic basil. Melissa's-brand organic basil, sold in 2-ounce and 4-ounce packages at Dierberg’s stores in Illinois and Missouri from Feb. 10 through Feb. 20, is now part of a recall by Infinite Herbs, LLC of Miami, FL. This recall adds to the previous one for Infinite Herbs-brand fresh organic basil at Trader Joe’s stores and Fruit Center Marketplace from Feb. 1 to April 6, connected to the outbreak, affecting 12 individuals, with one hospitalized.

Although the basil is no longer available, the CDC advises monitoring for symptoms of Salmonella infection after consuming fresh basil and seeking medical care. Doctors should report such cases to aid the outbreak investigation.

The FDA recommends discarding previously purchased basil, especially if frozen and uncertain of its recall status. The Infinite Herbs brand basil was distributed in several states through Trader Joe’s stores.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the contamination source and assess any additional linked products.