Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Recalled Idaho Broccoli Sprouts Reaches 22 Illnesses in Four States

A Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC in Moyie Springs, Idaho, has sickened 22 people in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington. The CDC and the FDA announced the multistate investigation on September 9, noting that two people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

Evergreen Fresh Sprouts began recalling its broccoli sprouts on September 4 after a sample collected by Montana officials tested positive for Salmonella. The recalled sprouts were sold in plastic bags or clamshell containers with expiration dates of 9/7, 9/9, 9/11, 9/14, and 9/16 at grocery stores, food co-ops, restaurants, and food service customers in Idaho, Montana, and Washington.

According to interview data, all 19 people interviewed reported eating sprouts, with 89 percent specifically eating broccoli sprouts. Patients range in age from 2 to 87, with a median age of 48, and their illnesses began between July 7 and August 26. Washington state accounts for 16 of the 22 cases.

The CDC advises people not to eat the recalled broccoli sprouts and to throw them away or return them to the store. Salmonella usually causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days.