Moyie Springs, Idaho — A multistate Salmonella outbreak has prompted an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration after health officials linked illnesses to broccoli sprouts produced in Idaho.
The outbreak involves Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, which makes the affected broccoli sprouts at its facility in Moyie Springs. According to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 people have been sickened across four states, with two of those patients requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported.
The investigation comes as officials work to determine how the sprouts became contaminated and whether additional products or locations could be involved.
Evergreen Fresh Sprouts issued a recall on Sept. 4 after a sample collected by Montana health officials tested positive for Salmonella.
Recalled Sprouts Sold Across Northwest States
The affected broccoli sprouts were distributed through grocery stores and restaurants in Idaho, Montana and Washington, according to information provided by health officials.
However, authorities have warned that the sprouts could potentially have been sold in additional states, meaning consumers outside those three states may also need to pay attention to recall information.
Washington has reported the largest number of illnesses among the four states where cases have been identified.
The investigation remains active as federal and state health officials work to determine the full distribution of the recalled sprouts and identify any additional illnesses that may be connected to them.
Consumers who purchased broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts should check current recall information carefully and avoid consuming products that are included in the recall.
What Are Broccoli Sprouts?
Broccoli sprouts may look small and harmless, but they are a type of young plant that is eaten whole.
They are produced by germinating broccoli seeds in water for roughly four to six days. Once the seeds develop into sprouts, the entire product is generally consumed.
Because sprouts are grown in warm, moist conditions, they can sometimes provide an environment where certain bacteria can multiply if contamination occurs.
In this case, officials have not determined exactly how Salmonella entered the production process.
Salmonella Cases Include Two Hospitalizations
The numbers released by federal health officials show the seriousness of the outbreak.
So far, 22 cases of Salmonella have been reported in four states, and two people have been hospitalized. Authorities have reported no deaths connected to the outbreak.
Washington has recorded more illnesses than the other affected states, although officials continue to investigate the distribution of the sprouts and the locations associated with the illnesses.
The number of reported cases could also change as health departments identify and confirm additional infections.
Officials Still Investigating the Contamination Source
One of the biggest unanswered questions is how the broccoli sprouts became contaminated with Salmonella.
Officials have not yet identified the specific point in the production, handling or distribution process where contamination occurred.
The FDA and state health authorities are continuing to investigate the outbreak while examining the recalled products and information connected to the reported illnesses.
Consumers should take recall warnings seriously, particularly when dealing with products that may be eaten without additional cooking.
The investigation could also determine whether the recalled sprouts reached more locations than initially identified.
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