The CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts.
As of June 27, 2011, a total of 21 persons with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 5 states: Idaho (3), Montana (7), North Dakota (1), New Jersey (1) and Washington (9). Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began between April 12 and June 7, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 12 years to 77 years old, with a median age of 35 years old. Seventy-one percent are female. Among the 10 ill persons with available information, 3 (30%) persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Collaborative investigative efforts of local, state, and federal public health and regulatory agencies have linked this outbreak to Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts. The sprouts were distributed to various customers in Idaho, Montana, Washington State, and possibly to retailers in neighboring states. CDC, FDA, and state and local public health partners are continuing surveillance to identify new cases and trace potentially contaminated products. CDC will continue to update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available.
To date Evergreen Produce has refused to recall it products.