CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collecting different types of data to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that Infinite Herbs brand organic basil may be contaminated with Salmonella and be making people sick.

As of April 17, 2024, a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 7 states – FL, GA, MN, MO, NJ, RI, WI. Illnesses started on dates ranging from February 11, 2024, to April 2, 2024. Of 11 people with information available, 1 person has been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Of 12 people interviewed, 10 (83%) reported shopping at Trader Joe’s. Seven sick people reported buying or likely buying organic basil in 2.5 oz clamshell-style containers from Trader Joe’s. Additionally, traceback data collected by FDA determined that Infinite Herbs, LLC, in Miami, Florida, was the supplier of the 2.5-oz packages of organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores.

While this investigation is ongoing, do not eat Infinite Herbs organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s stores in those 29 states and Washington DC. The basil was sold in 2.5 oz clamshell-style packages. Investigators are working to determine if additional products may be contaminated.

Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil 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.

Trader Joe’s has already voluntarily removed all Infinite Herbs-brand organic basil packed in 2.5-oz clamshell packaging from their store shelves and this product should no longer be available for sale to customers at their stores.

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually lasts four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

Salmonella cases linked to Infinite Herbs organic basil sold at Trader Joe’s

State health officials advise Minnesotans not to eat Infinite Herbs brand organic basil

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials are warning Minnesota consumers not to eat Infinite Herbs brand organic basil in 2.5-ounce clamshell-style containers purchased at Trader Joe’s, due to a multi-state Salmonella outbreak announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Four Minnesotans between 3 and 59 years of age, all from the metro area, became ill between Feb. 15 and March 27. None of them were hospitalized and none died. Their illnesses have been linked to eating Infinite Herbs brand basil purchased at Trader Joe’s.  

Nationally, a total of 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from seven states.

Trader Joe’s has removed the product from its shelves. Anyone who has it in their refrigerator or freezer should throw it away.

Since many people with Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) do not seek health care and get tested, the number of ill people that are part of this outbreak is likely to be larger than the identified cases. People who consumed the product, become sick and are concerned about their health should consult their health care provider and mention this outbreak.  

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. Symptoms usually begin within 12 to 96 hours after exposure, but they can begin up to two weeks after exposure. Infections usually clear in five to seven days, but about 28% of laboratory-confirmed cases require hospitalization. Many Salmonella infections in otherwise healthy people do not require medical treatment. More serious infections occasionally occur. For those who seek health care, most do not require antibiotics. However, antibiotic treatment may be warranted in some cases.  

Approximately 1,000 Salmonella infections are reported each year in Minnesota. More information on Salmonella and how to prevent it can be found on the MDH website at Salmonellosis (Salmonella).

MDH is working with MDA, CDC and FDA on this ongoing, multi-state investigation.  

Federal alerts:

FDA – Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Organic Basil (April 2024)  

CDC – Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Fresh Basil: Food Safety Alert

Roland Foods, LLC (“Roland Foods”) of New York, New York is recalling a specific production code of Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which 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.

Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. was distributed to many states through retail stores and foodservice outlets. The product was distributed by Roland Foods from September 2023 through January 2024.

This recall ONLY APPLIES to Roland® Tahini (100% Ground Sesame Seeds) 16 oz. with a Best By Date of October 19, 2024. The product can be identified by the Best Buy Date printed in black ink on the label near the top of the bottle. Please note: this is not an expansion of the recall, just a clarification to support identification of the product by consumers.

To date, Roland Foods has received no reports of illness related to the recalled product.

The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which revealed that the product tested positive for Salmonella. The company has ceased distribution of the product and has initiated an investigation in partnership with the manufacturer as to the root cause of the problem.

Seattle & King County Public Health announced that three individuals fell ill due to a Salmonella outbreak linked to the IHOP restaurant located at 14747 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA. The illnesses occurred between October 23 and December 23, 2023, and two people required hospitalization. No deaths were reported. This investigation is now completed.

All three individuals ate a variety of breakfast foods at the Bellevue IHOP, but no specific food item has been identified as the source of the outbreak. Public Health conducted interviews with the sick individuals to identify common exposures and all three had eaten at the Bellevue IHOP. The victims, ranging in age from 20 to 70, reported symptoms consistent with salmonellosis, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, and fever. No ill employees were identified at the restaurant.

On January 11, 2024, Environmental Health Investigators requested source information and food receipts from the restaurant. A visit to the restaurant was conducted on January 16, 2024, where investigators reviewed the restaurant’s food preparation processes. No contributing factors to the outbreak were identified. The restaurant has since conducted a thorough deep cleaning and reinforced food safety training with staff.

Laboratory testing confirmed all three cases as Salmonella infections. Further testing revealed that all three cases were infected with the same strain of Salmonella, as determined by genetic fingerprinting (whole genome sequencing or WGS) at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory.

As of January 17, 2024, a total of 47 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 22 states – Arizona 2, Colorado 1, Connecticut 1, Idaho 1, Illinois 1, Kentucky 1, Maryland 1, Michigan 1, Minnesota 1, Missouri 1, Nebraska 3, New Jersey 1, New York 4, Ohio 11, Oregon 1, Pennsylvania 3, Texas 3, Utah 1, Vermont 1, Virginia 1, Washington 5, Wisconsin 2. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 20, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Of 38 people with information available, 10 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 26 people interviewed, 19 (73%) reported eating a variety of charcuterie meats. Ten people provided specific information or shopper card records:

4 people bought the Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta from Costco.

1 person bought another Fratelli Beretta brand charcuterie product.

3 people bought the Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from Sam’s Club.

2 people bought charcuterie meats from Sam’s Club but did not remember the brand name.

Fratelli Barretta recalled a single lot of the Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler because of testing by Minnesota that identified Salmonella in the product.

While the outbreak is ongoing, CDC is advising not to eat, serve, or sell any lot of Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler from Sam’s Club or Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta from Costco.

Sam’s Club and Costco have removed these products from their stores.

cantaloupe1

In the United States as of today, a total of 407 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella were reported from 44 states (Alaska 1, Arizona 15, Arkansas 2, California 56, Colorado 11, Connecticut 2, Florida 4, Georgia 8, Illinois 22, Indiana 9, Iowa 12, Kansas 2, Kentucky 10, Maryland 9, Massachusetts 2, Michigan 7, Minnesota 29, Mississippi 1, Missouri 15, Montana 3, Nebraska 7, Nevada 8, New Hampshire 1, New Jersey 8, New Mexico 2, New York 14, North Carolina 7, North Dakota 1, Ohio 14, Oklahoma 4, Oregon 8, Pennsylvania 5, Rhode Island 1, South Carolina 10, South Dakota 2, Tennessee 7, Texas 30, Utah 12, Vermont 1, Virginia 8, Washington 4, West Virginia 3, Wisconsin 29, Wyoming 1). Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 15, 2023, to December 25, 2023. Of 362 people with information available, 158 (44%) were hospitalized. Six deaths were reported

In Canada as of December 22, there have been 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (18), Alberta (4), Ontario (21), Quebec (111), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed. Individuals became sick between mid-October and early December 2023. Sixty-one (61) individuals have been hospitalized. Seven deaths have been reported.

The true number of sick people in this outbreak was likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not have been limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella (Sundsvall and Oranienburg) infections. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback data showed that cantaloupes were contaminated with Salmonella made people sick. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis shows that clinical isolates from the ill people in are genetically related to the ill people in the United States and Canada. FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified Sofia Produce, LLC dba TruFresh of Nogales, AZ; Crown Jewels Produce of Fresno, CA; and Pacific Trellis Fruit dba Dulcinea of Fresno, CA as suppliers of the potentially contaminated “Malichita” or “Rudy” brand cantaloupes.

As of January 3, 2024, 24 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 14 states – Arizona 1, Connecticut 1, Illinois 1, Michigan 1, Minnesota 1, Nebraska 1, New Jersey 1, New York 1, Ohio 11, Texas 1, Utah 1, Vermont 1, Washington 1, Wisconsin 1. Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 20, 2023, to December 18, 2023. Of 20 people with information available, 5 have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.

Salmonella was identified in an unopened sample of “Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler Prosciutto, Sweet Soppressata, and Dry Coppa” collected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as a part of the investigation. Testing is being conducted to determine if the Salmonella in the sample is the outbreak strain.

On January 3, 2024, Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., recalled approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products.

  • Busseto Charcuterie Sampler
    • 18-oz. plastic tray packages of “Busseto Foods Charcuterie Sampler Prosciutto, Sweet Soppressata, and Dry Coppa”
    • LOT Code L075330300 and “best by” date on April 27, 2024. This product is sold as a twin pack with two 9-oz. packages.
    • The products have the establishments numbers “EST. 7543B” inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s mark of inspection and “EST. #47967” on the package. See recall notice for more details.
    • These items were shipped to Sam’s Club distribution centers in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas.

As of December 22, there have been 164 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (18), Alberta (4), Ontario (21), Quebec (111), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (2), Nova Scotia (4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). Sixty-one (61) individuals have been hospitalized. Seven deaths have been reported. Individuals who became ill are between 0 to 100 years of age. Most of the individuals who became sick are children 5 years of age or younger (36%), or adults 65 years of age or older (45%).

As of December 14, 302 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 42 states: Alaska 1, Arizona 14, Arkansas 2, California 14, Colorado 9, Connecticut 2, Florida 1, Georgia 6, Illinois 18, Indiana 7, Iowa 8, Kansas 2, Kentucky 8, Maryland 6, Massachusetts 2, Michigan 6, Minnesota 26, Mississippi 1, Missouri 15, Montana 2, Nebraska 7, Nevada 5, New Hampshire 1, New Jersey 6, New Mexico 2, New York 10, North Carolina 6, Ohio 13, Oklahoma 4, Oregon 6, Pennsylvania 5, Rhode Island 1, South Carolina 9, South Dakota 1, Tennessee 5, Texas 23, Utah 11, Virginia 7, Washington 4, West Virginia 3, Wisconsin 22, Wyoming 1. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 16, 2023, to November 28, 2023. Of 263 people with information available, 129 (49%) have been hospitalized. Four deaths have been reported, three from Minnesota and one from Oregon. Range in age from <1 to 100 years – Median age of 61 years – 26% are 5 years or younger – 8% are 65 years or older.

Recalled Cantaloupe

Malichita and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes

Pre-cut fruit products made with recalled whole cantaloupes 

  • Kwik Trip cantaloupe cups, mixed fruit cups, and fruit tray with sell-by dates from November 4 through December 3
  • TGD Cuts cantaloupe chunks, mixed fruits, and fruit trays with use-by dates from November 2 through November 24
  • Freshness Guaranteed and RaceTrac cantaloupe chunks, seasonal blend, melon mixes, and fruit mixes with best-by dates from November 7 through November 12
  • Stop & Shop cantaloupe purchased from October 23 through November 11
  • Vinyard cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys sold in Oklahoma stores from October 30 through November 10
  • Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s cantaloupe chunks, mixed melons, fruit medleys, and fruit trays with best-by dates from October 28 through November 8
  • Cut Fruit Express cantaloupe chunks, melon mixes, and fruit mixes with use-by dates from November 4 through November 6
  • ALDI [PDF – 2 pages] whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks, and pineapple spears with best-by dates from October 27 through October 31
  • Bix Produce cantaloupe fruit cups and mixed fruit cups with sell-by dates of October 25 and October 26
  • All cantaloupe recalls are listed on FDA’s cantaloupe recall website.

Marler Clark has been in the lead for all the Cantaloupe Outbreaks Lawsuits over the last decades. Here is a sampling:

Since the last update on December 7, 302 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 42 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 16, 2023, to November 28, 2023. Of 263 people with information available, 129 (49%) have been hospitalized. Four deaths have been reported, three from Minnesota and one from Oregon.

States impacted: Alaska 1, Arkansas 2, Arizona 14, California 14, Colorado 9, Connecticut 2, Florida 1, Georgia 6, Iowa 8, Illinois 18, Indiana 7, Kansas 2, Kentucky 8, Massachusetts 2, Maryland 6, Michigan 6, Minnesota 26, Missouri 15, Mississippi 1, Montana 2, North Carolina 6, Nebraska 7, New Hampshire 1, New Jersey 6, New Mexico 2, Nevada 5, New York 10, Ohio 13, Oklahoma 4, Oregon 6, Pennsylvania 5, Rhode Island 1, South Carolina 9, South Dakota 1, Tennessee 5, Texas 23, Utah 11, Virginia 7, Washington 4, Wisconsin 22, West Virginia 3 and Wyoming 1.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 145 people interviewed, 107 (74%) reported eating cantaloupe. This percentage was significantly higher than the 19.6% of respondents who reported eating cantaloupe in the FoodNet Population Survey—a survey that helps estimate how often people eat various foods linked to diarrheal illness. Of the 107 people who reported eating cantaloupe, 56 people specifically reported eating pre-cut cantaloupe and 29 reported eating whole cantaloupe.

Forty people resided at long-term care facilities when they got sick. Of 17 interviewed, 11 reported eating cantaloupe. Thirty children attended childcare centers when they got sick. Of 26 children with information available, 17 ate cantaloupe.

Canada is reporting 26 ill in British Columbia 7, Ontario 7, Quebec 8, Prince Edward Island 2, Newfoundland and Labrador 2.

In the United States since the last update on November 17, 2023, 56 more illnesses have been reported. As of November 24, 99 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 32 states. Arkansas 1, Arizona 7, California 1, Colorado 2, Georgia 3, Iowa 5, Illinois 4, Indiana 2, Kentucky 5, Massachusetts 1, Maryland 1, Michigan 1, Minnesota 13, Missouri 9, Mississippi 1, North Carolina 2, Nebraska 4, New Jersey 1, Nevada 2, New York 1, Ohio 8 Oklahoma 1, Oregon 1, Pennsylvania 1, Rhode Island 1, South Carolina 3, Tennessee 4, Texas 3, Utah 1, Virginia 1, Washington 1 and Wisconsin 8.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 10, 2023.

Of 77 people with information available, 45 have been hospitalized. Two deaths have been reported from Minnesota.

Public health officials collect many different types of information from sick people, including their age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. This information provides clues to help investigators identify the source of the outbreak.  Age of ill ranges from less than 1 to 100 years of age.  60% are male and 40% are female.

State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 33 people interviewed, 29 (88%) reported eating cantaloupe. 

Recalled whole cantaloupe from the following brands:

  • Whole fresh cantaloupes with a label on the cantaloupe that says “Malichita” or “Rudy”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”
  • Cantaloupe was sold at retail stores in AZ, CA, MD, NJ, TN, IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, OK, WI, TX, FL, and Canada. This list may not include all states as the cantaloupes could have reached consumers through further retail distribution.
  • Retailers and wholesalers would have received recalled whole melons from Crown Jewels Produce in boxes labeled “Malachita/Z Farms” or from Sofia Produce doing business as TruFresh in boxes labeled “Malichita” or “Rudy.”

Recalled cut cantaloupe and products made from recalled whole cantaloupes:

  • ALDI cantaloupe, cut cantaloupe, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging with Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31.
  • Vinyard cantaloupe chunks and cubes, fruit mixes, melon medleys, and fruit cups containing cantaloupe. Most have a “Vinyard” label, and some have a red label with “Fresh” sold between October 30 and November 10 in Oklahoma stores.
  • Freshness Guaranteed seasonal blend, melon trio, melon mix, fruit blend, fruit bowl, seasonal fruit tray, fruit mix, and cantaloupe chunks; and RaceTrac fruit medley sold in clear square or round plastic containers at select retail stores in IN, MI, OH, KY, NC, TN, VA, IL, TX, LA (see recall announcement for lot codes and “best by” dates).

CDC is advising people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled fruit.