At least five restaurants served sprouts linked to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 30 people in nine states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But consumers wondering which restaurants are involved will be left to wonder as health officials are not releasing the names.
Sprouts Extraordinaire of Denver has issued a recall for the sprouts which are tainted with two strains: Salmonella Reading and Salmonella Abony. They were sold in 5-pound boxes labeled “Living Alfalfa Sprouts.”
Onset of illness dates range from May 21 to July 20. Five people have been hospitalized. States reporting illnesses include: Colorado (13), Kansas (8), Minnesota (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (2), New York (1), Oregon (1), Texas (1) and Wyoming (1).
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that can be bloody, usually develop within six to 72 hours of exposure and last about a week. For some, the diarrhea and vomiting can be so severe it causes dehydration, and hospitalization is required. If the infection travels from the gastrointestinal tract to the bloodstream, life-threatening complications can occur. Anyone who developed these symptoms after eating sprouts should contact a doctor and mention possible exposure to Salmonella.
Sprouts are grown in a damp environment that makes it difficult to control for bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind and that others thoroughly cook sprouts before eating them. To see FoodSafety.gov’s fact sheet on sprouts click here.
