Broccoli Sprouts Recalled Over Salmonella Outbreak

Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC, located in Moyie Springs, Idaho, has initiated a voluntary recall of 215 cases of its broccoli sprouts. This action is in response to an ongoing investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into a Salmonella outbreak linked to these sprouts, which has resulted in illnesses among 22 individuals across four states. The recalled product consists of broccoli sprouts packaged in clear plastic 4oz. Zip-lock bags. These bags are identifiable by the UPC code 8 38796 00105 1 and bear Use By dates of September 7, 2026; September 9, 2026; September 11, 2026; September 14, 2026; and September 16, 2026. The company's recall notice, posted by the FDA, specifies that the recalled broccoli sprouts were distributed to three distributors in Washington state. These distributors may have subsequently supplied the product to retail locations within three states, though the specific states were not detailed in the initial announcement. The FDA is investigating this broccoli sprout-related Salmonella outbreak separately from a prior recall of alfalfa sprouts. In August, Everything Sprouts of Minneapolis voluntarily recalled its alfalfa sprouts due to concerns about potential contamination with both Salmonella and E. coli. The current investigation into Evergreen Fresh Sprouts' broccoli sprouts focuses solely on Salmonella. The number of illnesses reported, 22, represents a significant public health concern, prompting the recall to prevent further infections. Consumers who may have purchased the recalled broccoli sprouts are advised to discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as the investigation progresses. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of fresh produce, particularly sprouts, which are known to be a high-risk food item for bacterial contamination due to their growing conditions. The recall underscores the importance of robust food safety protocols throughout the supply chain, from production to distribution and retail. The company's decision to issue a voluntary recall demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety, even as the investigation into the precise source of contamination is ongoing. The FDA's role in announcing and detailing such recalls is crucial for public awareness and health protection. The specific number of cases recalled, 215, provides a concrete measure of the scope of the affected product. The detailed product identification, including bag size, packaging type, UPC code, and specific Use By dates, is essential for consumers to determine if they possess the recalled item. The geographic distribution, even if generalized to three states via distributors, indicates a potentially widespread impact on consumers. The distinction between this outbreak and the previous alfalfa sprout recall is important for understanding the specific risks associated with different types of sprouts and potential contaminants. The FDA's independent investigation into the broccoli sprout outbreak signifies a focused effort to identify and mitigate the source of the Salmonella contamination.