Thai Basil Recalled

Lucky Green Trading, Inc. Recalls Thai Basil Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact: Chi Ton, (714) 554-9293

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Garden Grove, CA -- July 9, 2008 --- LUCKY GREEN TRADING, INC. of Garden Grove, CA is recalling Thai Basil , 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.

Thai Basil was distributed through retail stores and direct delivery to customers in Southern California, Arizona , and Nevada on June 30, 2008.

The product was shipped in 14 LB cardboard cartons with 12 individual packages weighting approx.1.2 LB each in clear, unmarked, plastic bags. The exterior cartons were labeled "16 DE SEPTIEMBRE S/N SANTA ROSA TAPACHULA NAYARIT, C.P. 63731" "Thai Basil" and also had an attached sticker with Airway Bill #027 1947 0861.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was as the result of a random testing by the FDA which revealed that the finished products contained the Salmonella . The company has suspended distribution and importation of the product as FDA and the company continues their investigation.

Consumers who purchased basil should contact the store where they purchased the product to determine if their basil is the Thai basil involved in the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (714) 554-9293.


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NOTE: The strain of Salmonella found in this company's Thai Basil is not Salmonella Saintpaul, and therefore not related to the current Salmonella outbreak. This positive finding was a result of a routine inspections and testing conducted by FDA inspectors. Thai Basil from the importer has been placed on an import alert that recommends that agency officials detain this product without physical examination when offered for import.

Recall -- Firm Press Release
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