Broccoli Sprouts Recalled Nationwide After Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 22

A multistate Salmonella outbreak has been linked to recalled broccoli sprouts grown by an Idaho company, according to federal health officials. The outbreak has sickened 22 people across four states, with two patients requiring hospitalization.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Sept. 9 that it is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state health departments, and local authorities to investigate infections caused by a strain of Salmonella known as Salmonella Bovismorbificans.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.

The FDA's investigation identified Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC, based in Moyie Springs, Idaho, as the common grower of broccoli sprouts consumed by people who later became ill. The company initiated a recall on Sept. 4 after Montana state officials detected Salmonella in a sample of broccoli sprouts.

Laboratory testing provided an important link between the contaminated product and the illnesses. According to the FDA, whole genome sequencing performed by state officials and reviewed by the agency found that the Salmonella detected in the product was the same strain responsible for the outbreak.

Investigators Find Strong Connection to Broccoli Sprouts

Public health officials began looking for a common food exposure after identifying infections in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington.

The illnesses began between July 7 and Aug. 26, according to the FDA. Of the 19 people interviewed by investigators, every person reported eating sprouts before becoming sick. Seventeen of those individuals, representing 89 percent of those interviewed, specifically recalled consuming broccoli sprouts.

That information, combined with traceback investigations and laboratory results, helped investigators identify Evergreen Fresh Sprouts as the common grower associated with the recalled product.

The FDA said the investigation remains active. Although distribution of the recalled sprouts has been confirmed in Idaho, Montana, and Washington, officials warned that the products may have been distributed to additional states.

The agency is advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell the recalled broccoli sprouts.

Which Broccoli Sprouts Are Recalled?

The recalled products were sold as Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts in 4-ounce packages. The products were packaged in either plastic bags or plastic clamshell containers.

The affected packages have expiration dates of:

• Sept. 7, 2026
• Sept. 9, 2026
• Sept. 11, 2026
• Sept. 14, 2026
• Sept. 16, 2026

The sprouts were distributed to grocery stores, restaurants, and foodservice customers.

Consumers who may have purchased the product should check their refrigerators and other storage areas for the recalled packages. The FDA recommends that people do not taste or consume the sprouts to determine whether they are safe.

Restaurants and retailers should also remove affected products from sale or service.

The FDA further recommends thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, containers, and other items that may have come into contact with the recalled sprouts. This is important because Salmonella can spread from contaminated food to other foods and surfaces.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?

Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis, can cause a range of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. According to the FDA, illness can sometimes become more serious, particularly among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms generally develop after a person consumes food contaminated with the bacteria. The FDA says illness from this outbreak typically occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, although individual experiences can vary. Symptoms commonly last several days.

Most people recover without specific medical treatment. However, some infections can become severe and require medical attention. Complications can include dehydration and, in more serious cases, infection that spreads beyond the intestines.

Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Salmonella infection after eating the recalled sprouts should contact a healthcare professional and mention the possible exposure.

Why Are Sprouts a Food Safety Concern?

Raw sprouts have been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks because of the way they are grown.

Sprouts develop from seeds in warm, moist conditions that allow seeds to germinate. Unfortunately, those same conditions can also allow certain bacteria to multiply if contamination is present.

The FDA has previously investigated outbreaks involving Salmonella and other pathogens associated with sprouts. The agency has also published guidance addressing ways the sprouting industry can reduce microbial food safety hazards.

This does not mean that all sprouts are contaminated or unsafe. Instead, it highlights why careful production, testing, handling, refrigeration, and sanitation are important throughout the supply chain.

Consumers should follow official recall notices and food safety instructions when a specific sprout product has been identified in an outbreak.

What Consumers Should Do Now

People who have recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts should not eat them. Instead, the product should be discarded according to food safety guidance.

Anyone who handled the recalled sprouts should wash their hands and clean surfaces, utensils, containers, and other objects that may have come into contact with the product.

Restaurants and retailers should check their inventories and remove recalled packages from use or sale.

The FDA also advises consumers experiencing symptoms that resemble Salmonella infection after eating the recalled sprouts to contact a healthcare provider.

Because the investigation is ongoing, consumers should also monitor updates from the FDA and CDC. Product distribution may have extended beyond the states currently confirmed by investigators.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The latest FDA information lists 22 illnesses, two hospitalizations, and zero deaths. Cases have been identified in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington, while confirmed distribution of the recalled sprouts has been reported in Idaho, Montana, and Washington.

Federal and state officials are continuing to investigate the outbreak to determine whether additional illnesses or products are connected to the contamination.

The laboratory evidence has strengthened the link between the recalled broccoli sprouts and the outbreak. However, officials continue to describe the investigation as ongoing and say additional information will be provided if it becomes available.

For consumers, the immediate priority is straightforward: do not eat the recalled broccoli sprouts, do not serve them, and do not sell them.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Sprouts (September 2026)."
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Salmonella (Salmonellosis)."
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, guidance on reducing microbial food safety hazards in seed used for sprouting.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Outbreak investigations can change as health officials receive new laboratory, epidemiological, and traceback information. Readers should consult the FDA, CDC, local health authorities, or a qualified healthcare professional for the latest guidance and for advice about individual symptoms or possible exposure.