Highest risk U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Melissa’s Fresh organic basil recall: Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella

Recall published 2+ years ago

Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Melissa’s Other food products — recalled other food productsMelissa’s Other food products — recalled other food products (photo 2)
2 photos published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration with the recall notice.

The hazard: Salmonella contamination

The hazard here is Salmonella contamination, a bacterial infection that is usually unpleasant rather than dangerous, but which hits young children and older adults much harder.

What the notice says: 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.

Why it matters: Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the United States. It spreads easily from a contaminated product to hands, taps, cloths and other food in the same kitchen.

Symptoms and when to call a doctor

The CDC describes salmonellosis as diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps that usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure and last about four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment. Children under five, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill. Seek care for diarrhoea with a high fever, bloody stools, vomiting that stops you keeping liquids down, diarrhoea lasting more than three days, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine, a dry mouth or dizziness when standing.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you feel unwell, a clinician who can see you is the only person able to judge your case.

Recall details

Published
April 19, 2024
Risk level
Highest risk
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Melissa’s
Product type
Other food products
Distribution
Florida, Illinois, Missouri
UPC codes
045255141429, 045255144390

Products covered by this recall

Fresh organic basil

What the company announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 19, 2024—Infinite Herbs LLC of Miami, Florida, is expanding its April 18th 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) available for sale at Dierberg's stores in Illinois and Missouri between February 10th and 20th (see photos below). 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.

Please note that this recalled product is outdated and no longer available for sale. Still, consumers are urged to check their refrigerators and freezers and not consume the recalled organic basil if they have it. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 305-599-9255 x 148 or email [email protected] , Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT.

The company is conducting this recall with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA's) knowledge.

Reproduced from the company announcement posted on fda.gov. Links and contact forms in the original are not repeated here; the official notice below has them.

Check your product

The notice names 4 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

UPC / barcode

Read the twelve digits under the barcode on the package.

  • 045255141429
  • 045255144390

Package size

Match the net weight or the piece count on the front of the pack.

  • 2.0 oz
  • 4.0 oz

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Company recall announcements notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Salmonella

Melissa’s — The hazard here is Salmonella contamination, a bacterial infection that is usually unpleasant rather than dangerous, but which hits young children and older adults much harder.

  1. Stop eating the product and keep it away from anything ready to eat.
  2. Bag it and bin it, or take it back to the store — do not feed it to pets or livestock either.
  3. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the pack, and wash any dish, utensil or surface it touched in hot soapy water.
  4. If you repackaged or froze it, check the freezer too. Salmonella is not killed by freezing.

Refunds, and what else you can claim

The purchase price is the floor, not the ceiling. Where a recall caused you a real cost, say so.

  • Claim the refund at the store first; it is the fastest route and needs the least paperwork.
  • If you bought several packs over time, list them. Firms routinely settle for more than a single unit when a customer asks.
  • Medical costs, lost earnings or a spoiled event are not handled at the service desk. Write to the company contact on this page instead, with dates and documents.
  • Keep copies of everything you send. If a recall caused harm, that file is what any later claim rests on.

Company contact: Infinite Herbs LLC — Consumers: (305) 599-9255 x148, [email protected] — Media: Amy Philpott, 703-472-6615, [email protected]

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Company recall announcements record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Melissa’s other food products recalled?

Potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 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.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: UPC 045255141429, 045255144390. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Stop eating the product and keep it away from anything ready to eat.

Can I get my money back?

Claim the refund at the store first; it is the fastest route and needs the least paperwork.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Florida, Illinois, Missouri.

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