Salmonella scare over fresh basil

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Some batches of fresh basil from Sainsbury's, Somerfield and Asda may be contaminated with salmonella, the Food Standards Agency has warned.

In Sainsbury's and Somerfield it affects batches with best before dates up to and including 28 May. In Asda it is stocks up to and including 18 May.

The FSA said the batches must not be eaten and should be returned to stores.

All three companies said none of the affected batches, labelled 'wash before use', were still on sale in UK stores.

The contamination of salmonella, which can cause diarrhoea and sickness, came to light during a fresh herb survey.

This had been conducted by the Health Protection Agency and the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS).

The FSA is conducting further investigations into the possible source of the problem along the supply chain to ensure no further contamination has occurred.

Although some of the 'display' until and 'best before' dates have expired, the FSA is concerned some people may have frozen the herb.

Some people may also still have affected basil at home and used it to make fresh pesto or as an ingredient in other uncooked food.