More than 20 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella in Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah, per the FDA
Credit: FDA
NEED TO KNOW
- The FDA and CDC are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts
- At least 22 people in Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah have been infected so far, with two hospitalizations reported, according to the FDA
- Consumers are advised to discard or return affected broccoli sprouts, which were sold in multiple states
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled broccoli sprouts.
The recalled broccoli sprouts were grown by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC of Moyie Springs, ID, according to a notice from the FDA.
The affected product was packaged in plastic bags or plastic clamshell containers with expiration dates of 9/7, 9/9, 9/11, 9/14 and 9/16.
Recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC-brand broccoli sprouts were sold to grocery stores, restaurants and foodservice customers in Idaho, Montana and Washington, though the affected product may have been distributed further, according to the FDA.
Based on epidemiological information collected by the CDC, a total of 22 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella in four states — Idaho, Montana, Washington and Utah.
Reported illnesses started between July 7 and August 26. The FDA reports two hospitalizations and no deaths.
State and local public health officials interviewed 19 of those infected with the outbreak about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick.
Of the 19 people interviewed, all 19 reported eating sprouts, and 17 said they specifically ate broccoli sprouts, per information collected by the CDC and local agencies.
“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and this outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC said in its notice. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”
Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, and symptoms of Salmonella—which include diarrhea and fever—last four to seven days.
The CDC also warns that recent illness may not have been reported yet, as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
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People who purchased the recalled broccoli sprouts should throw them out or return them, according to the CDC.
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