Basil
Also listed as Dried Basil, Sweet Basil, and Fresh Basil.
Spices & Herbs
This is what the ingredient is.
Basil is a fragrant herb sold fresh or dried. Labels may say basil or sweet basil.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
It flavors pesto, tomato sauces, and salads.
Here is what food agencies say.
Fresh herbs fall under produce safety expectations; dried basil is sold as a culinary herb.
Here is what research has found.
Cyclospora and other pathogens have been linked to some fresh herb outbreaks historically.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Wash fresh basil. Discard wilted packs past their date.
Sources
- FDA Food Labeling
- USDA FSIS
- FDA Recalls
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.
v1.0Updated 9/15/2026