Salmonella Outbreak from Broccoli Sprouts Expands to Six States, Traced to Contaminated Seeds

Key points

• The CDC and FDA confirmed 32 illnesses caused by Salmonella Bovismorbificans, linked to broccoli sprouts grown by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC in Idaho.
• Illnesses were reported in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, with three hospitalizations and no deaths.
• The FDA identified contaminated seed lot W4105 as the source, leading to recalls of seeds from Gardeners Basics, Eden Brothers, and Home Grown.
• The outbreak is being investigated separately from a concurrent alfalfa sprout outbreak involving E. coli and Salmonella.
• Consumers are advised to discard recalled sprouts and seeds, sanitize surfaces, and seek medical attention for severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea or high fever.

Background

This outbreak follows a series of food safety incidents in 2026, including a major egg recall in August and an alfalfa sprout outbreak in late August. Sprouts are frequently implicated in outbreaks due to their raw consumption and growth conditions, which favor bacterial proliferation. The current incident highlights ongoing challenges in tracing contamination through complex supply chains, from seed suppliers to retail distribution.

How outlets are covering it

While USA TODAY initially reported 22 cases in four states as of September 9, the CDC updated the count to 32 cases across six states by September 24, including Minnesota and Oregon. Montana’s public health officials confirmed early cases in their state and noted that the true number may be higher due to unreported illnesses. The FDA emphasized the role of contaminated seeds in the outbreak, a detail not highlighted in the initial USA TODAY report. All sources agree on the link to Evergreen Fresh Sprouts but differ in the scope of affected states and the specific supply chain details.

Why it matters

The expansion of the outbreak and the identification of a contaminated seed lot underscore the risks associated with raw sprouts and the complexity of modern food supply chains. The recalls of seeds from multiple suppliers indicate a broader contamination issue that could affect future crops. Consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, must be vigilant about food safety and symptom monitoring.

What to watch

The FDA and CDC will continue investigating the supply chain to identify other potentially contaminated products. Additional recalls may be issued as the investigation progresses. Consumers should monitor for updates from health authorities and discard any recalled sprouts or seeds. The FDA will provide further guidance on safe food handling and contamination prevention.