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A Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak linked to contaminated sprouting seeds has sickened 32 people across six states. The FDA has confirmed the source is a specific seed lot but has not disclosed the supplier’s name, while retailers have issued recalls.
The number of confirmed Salmonella Bovismorbificans infections linked to contaminated sprouting seeds has risen to 32 cases across six states, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite laboratory evidence confirming the source is a specific seed lot, the FDA has not disclosed the identity of the seed supplier behind the outbreak. Three patients have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported as of October 7, 2026.
The illnesses, which began appearing in early July and continued through September 3, are concentrated in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Of the 27 patients interviewed by health officials as of September 24, 26 reported consuming sprouts or microgreens. Specifically, 22 individuals ate broccoli sprouts, and one consumed a microgreen mix containing broccoli microgreens. This strong dietary link prompted investigators to focus on sprouting seeds as the vector for the bacteria.
Investigative efforts in Washington state provided critical evidence. Officials collected samples of Evergreen Fresh Sprouts-brand broccoli sprouts from a local grocery store and a patient’s home. Testing revealed these sprouts were contaminated with the same strain of Salmonella causing the illnesses. The implicated seeds were sold to consumers by EAK Distribution of Casper, Wyoming, and Eden Brothers LLC of Arden, North Carolina. These seeds were distributed in Idaho, Montana, and Washington, though the FDA notes they may have reached other regions.
On October 2, EAK Distribution recalled its Home Grown brand green sprouting broccoli seeds after being notified by its supplier that seed lot #W4105 was linked to the outbreak. Shortly after, on October 7, Eden Brothers LLC recalled calabrese broccoli seeds in various packet sizes, also citing lot #W4105. The FDA stated that the seed supplier has conducted a recall of the implicated lot and contacted their customers, though the supplier remains unnamed in public disclosures.
Public Health Transparency And Recall Gaps
The FDA’s decision to withhold the name of the seed supplier raises questions about consumer transparency during active outbreaks. While the agency has identified the contaminated lot and facilitated recalls through downstream retailers, the lack of supplier identification may hinder full traceability. Consumers who purchased seeds from other retailers or garden centers may not realize their products are part of the recalled lot. This opacity creates a potential blind spot in the supply chain, where unrecalled seeds could still be in circulation or in home pantries.
Furthermore, the severity of this outbreak highlights the inherent risks associated with raw sprouts. The CDC estimates that for every identified Salmonella case, 29 others go undetected. This suggests the actual number of illnesses could be significantly higher than the confirmed 32. The hospitalization of three patients underscores the potential for serious health consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
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Separate From Alfalfa Sprout Incidents
This outbreak is distinct from a separate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts. In that unrelated incident, the FDA has also identified the seed supplier but has similarly declined to release the company’s name. The current investigation focuses exclusively on Salmonella Bovismorbificans linked to broccoli and microgreen seeds. The FDA has confirmed through whole genome sequencing (WGS) that the strain found in the seed lot matches the strain isolated from patients. This genetic match provides definitive laboratory evidence connecting the specific seed lot to the cluster of illnesses.
The timeline of the outbreak spans nearly two months, with symptom onset dates ranging from July 7 to September 3. The prolonged period suggests that contaminated seeds were distributed and consumed over an extended timeframe, complicating the recall process. The FDA continues to work with the supply chain to determine which additional companies may have received seeds from the unnamed supplier.
“The seed sample tested positive and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis showed that it matched the same Salmonella Bovismorbificans strain that made people sick in this outbreak.”
— FDA Outbreak Update
Unknown Extent Of Seed Distribution
It remains unclear how widely the contaminated seed lot #W4105 was distributed beyond the states of Idaho, Montana, and Washington. The FDA has stated the seeds may have been further distributed, but has not provided a comprehensive list of all retailers or regions affected. Additionally, the true scale of the outbreak is unknown. Given the CDC’s estimate that only one in 30 Salmonella cases is reported, the actual number of sick individuals could be in the hundreds. The FDA has not provided a timeline for when it will disclose the name of the seed supplier, leaving a gap in public knowledge regarding the origin of the contamination.
Ongoing Supply Chain Investigation
The FDA is continuing its investigation to identify all companies that received seeds from the implicated supplier. Consumers are advised to check their pantry for Home Grown brand green sprouting broccoli seeds or Eden Brothers calabrese broccoli seeds associated with lot #W4105. If these products are found, they should be discarded immediately. Health authorities will continue to monitor for new cases, particularly as the recall process extends to other potential distribution channels. The FDA has not indicated when it might release the supplier’s identity, suggesting the investigation into the broader supply chain is still active.
Key Questions
What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection?
Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, starting 6 hours to 6 days after infection. Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
Which specific seeds are recalled?
The recall covers Home Grown brand green sprouting broccoli seeds from EAK Distribution and Eden Brothers calabrese broccoli seeds (lots 1022067 and 1022068) linked to supplier lot #W4105.
Why hasn’t the FDA named the seed supplier?
The FDA has not provided a specific reason for withholding the supplier’s name. The agency has stated it is working with the supply chain to determine the full extent of distribution before or during the investigation process.
How can I prevent Salmonella from sprouts?
The CDC recommends that vulnerable groups avoid raw sprouts entirely. For others, washing sprouts thoroughly under running water may reduce but not eliminate risk, as bacteria can be inside the seed. Cooking sprouts is the only way to kill Salmonella.
Source: rss
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