Another company is recalling its branded sprouting seeds linked to a Salmonella outbreak, but the Food and Drug Administration continues to refuse to reveal the name of the seed supplier.
This time, Gardeners Basics of Spanish Fork, Utah, is recalling one-pound bags of broccoli sprouting seeds. The recalled product is Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, packaged in a white and green resealable pouches, net weight 1 pound, with the UPC 848137042889. The bag is marked “Packed for 2027.”
The recalled sprouting seeds were distributed nationwide in the United States and was sold on Amazon, www.gardenersbasics.com, TikTok Shop, Walmart, eBay and Etsy.
The recall is in association with a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans infections that has sickened at least 32 people in six states. There have been three hospitalizations but no deaths. The last outbreak patient reported symptom onset on Sept. 3. The states where the sick people live are Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
This outbreak is currently being investigated separately from the shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts.
As part of this investigation, the FDA collected and analyzed a sample of seeds from the seed supplier identified in the investigation. The seed sample tested positive and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis showed that it matched the same Salmonella Bovismorbificans strain that is making people sick in this outbreak. As a result, the seed supplier conducted a recall of the implicated seed lot and contacted their customers.
The FDA has not released the name of the seed supplier to the public, even though its seeds have been subject to recalls by several companies.
On Oct. 2 EAK Distribution of Casper, WY,, recalled Home Grown green sprouting broccoli seeds after they were notified of the recall of seed lot #W4105 by the seed supplier and the link to this outbreak.
On Oct. 7, Eden Brothers LLC, of Arden, NC, recalled calabrese broccoli seeds in packets and in 1-ounce and 1-pound sizes. The Eden Brothers lots were 1022067 and 1022068; and supplier lot W4105.
The FDA is also investigating Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC of Moyie Springs, ID, because its alfalfa sprouts — not seeds, but actual sprouts — were found by Washington investigators to be contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella that is making people sick.
According to an FDA outbreak update released Sept, 24, there were 27 patients who had been interviewed at that time. Ot the 27 patients, 26 reported eating sprouts or microgreens.
On Sept. 4, Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC initiated a recall of broccoli sprouts based on a positive Salmonella result from a broccoli sprouts sample collected and analyzed by Montana state officials. According to whole genome sequencing analysis conducted by state partners and reviewed by FDA, the positive sample is the same strain of Salmonella that is causing illnesses in this outbreak.
There are likely many more people sick in the outbreak than are reflected in the official count at this time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is because some people don’t seek treatment and others are not specifically tested for Salmonella infection. For every confirmed patient on a Salmonella outbreak there are 29 who go undetected.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten any sprouts and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.