FDA investigates Salmonella outbreak linked to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts

Federal health officials are investigating a multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts grown by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts of Moyie Springs. 

The outbreak of salmonella bovismorbificans infections is being investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state and local partners, are investigating an o. As of Wednesday, Sept. 9, 22 people have been reported sickened in four states, with two hospitalizations. 

Cases have been reported in Idaho, Montana, Utah and Washington. Illnesses have been reported between July 7 and Aug. 26.  

According to the FDA, 19 people who became ill were interviewed as part of the investigation. All 19 reported eating sprouts, while 17, or 89%, specifically reported eating broccoli sprouts. 

Traceback investigations by the FDA and state partners identified Evergreen Fresh Sprouts as the common grower of broccoli sprouts eaten by patients before they became ill. 

Evergreen Fresh Sprouts initiated a recall of broccoli sprouts on Sept. 4 after a sample collected and analyzed by Montana state officials tested positive for salmonella. Whole genome sequencing determined that the Salmonella found in the sample was the same strain associated with illnesses in the outbreak. 

The recall includes Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts packaged in plastic bags or plastic clamshell containers with expiration dates of Sept. 7, Sept. 9, Sept. 11, Sept. 14 and Sept. 16. 

The recalled sprouts were distributed to grocery stores, restaurants and foodservice customers in Idaho, Montana and Washington. According to the FDA, the products may have been distributed further to additional states. 

Consumers, restaurants and retailers are advised not to eat, serve or sell the recalled broccoli sprouts. Anyone who purchased or received the recalled products should also clean and sanitize surfaces or containers that came into contact with the sprouts to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. 

Symptoms of Salmonella infection generally begin within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and typically last four to seven days. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Children younger than 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe infection. 

Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection after eating the recalled sprouts should contact a health care provider. 

The FDA said its investigation remains ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.