Multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to recalled broccoli sprouts
Quick Look
- A salmonella outbreak sickened 22 people across four U.S. states and was traced to broccoli sprouts distributed by Idaho's Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC, which has now recalled the product.
- Two people were hospitalized, but no deaths were reported.
- The FDA warns consumers to discard or return the sprouts and seek medical care if symptoms appear.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC had previously recalled alfalfa sprouts earlier this year due to separate salmonella and E. coli outbreaks, though the FDA states this broccoli sprout outbreak is not related to those incidents.
A multi-state outbreak of salmonella that sickened 22 people has been tied to contaminated broccoli sprouts, federal regulators said Friday.
The now-recalled sprouts were sold to restaurants, co-ops, restaurants, grocery stores and food service customers in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
No one who has eaten the sprouts has died, but two people in Washington have been hospitalized and the agency said that the affected products may have been shipped to other states.
The veggies were distributed by Idaho’s Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC. The company also recalled alfalfa sprouts earlier this year following separate outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli in alfalfa sprouts.
This outbreak does not appear to be related to the others, the FDA wrote. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.
The recall affects broccoli sprouts sold in plastic bags or clam shell containers with expiration dates of 9/7, 9/9, 9/11, 9/14, and 9/16.
People who believe they may have these products in their homes should throw them away or return them and wash items or surfaces the sprouts may have touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
And people should call a healthcare provider immediately if they experience any symptoms of salmonella.
Symptoms may include diarrhea for more than two days without improvements, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius), bloody diarrhea, vomiting to the point people can’t keep liquids down and dehydration.
These can begin up to six days after people swallow bacteria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns.
Most people recover on their own after a week, and infections are typically treated with fluids and antibiotics.
Older adults over age 65, young children and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness than others.
There are eight active outbreaks of salmonella, an FDA webpage shows, including those involving the Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC recalls.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The FDA will continue monitoring for additional cases linked to the recalled sprouts
Likely · Within weeks
Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC will issue a public statement regarding the recall
Possible · Within days
Open Questions
- Whether the sprouts were distributed to additional states beyond Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Utah
- If any other companies or suppliers are linked to the contamination
- Whether regulatory action will be taken against Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC
