Salmonella Outbreak Grows Through Sprouting Seeds as FDA Withholds the Supplier’s Name
Four companies have recalled broccoli sprouting seeds tied to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 32 people in six states. FDA has not named the seed supplier.
A Salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouting seeds keeps spreading through the supply chain. Four companies have now recalled products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still has not said who supplied the seeds.
TLDR
- Salmonella Bovismorbificans has sickened at least 32 people in six states.
- Three people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
- Four companies have recalled broccoli seeds or sprouts.
- FDA has not publicly named the seed supplier.
The Outbreak
The outbreak strain, Salmonella Bovismorbificans, has sickened at least 32 people in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington, according to Food Safety News. Three were hospitalized. The most recent illness began on September 3.
The real count is likely higher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says “there are likely many more people sick in the outbreak than are reflected in the official count at this time.” For every confirmed Salmonella case, an estimated 29 go undetected.
The Recalls
- Evergreen Fresh Sprouts of Moyie Springs, Idaho, recalled broccoli sprouts on September 4, after a Montana state sample tested positive and sequencing matched the outbreak strain.
- EAK Distribution of Casper, Wyoming, recalled Home Grown green sprouting broccoli seeds, lot W4105, on October 2.
- Eden Brothers of Arden, North Carolina, recalled Calabrese broccoli seeds on October 7. Its supplier lot was also W4105.
- Gardeners Basics of Spanish Fork, Utah, recalled 1-pound bags of Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds marked “Packed for 2027.”
The Missing Name
The seeds trace back to a common supplier lot. “The FDA has not released the name of the seed supplier to the public,” Food Safety News reported, even though “its seeds have been subject to recalls by several companies.” No reason for withholding the name has been given.
Why It Matters
Sprouting seeds move through many brands and home-growing kits. Without the supplier’s name, shoppers and smaller sellers have to wait for each company to recall on its own. Transparency at the source is often the fastest way to stop an outbreak from spreading further.
Source: Food Safety News. Read the report.