FDA Investigating Nebraska Salmonella Outbreak in Sprouts

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections. FDA's traceback investigation is ongoing but has identified Sun Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts grown by CW Sprouts Inc., doing business as (DBA) SunSprout Enterprises of Fremont, Neb., as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak.

Based on the epidemiologic information provided by the CDC along with interviews conducted by state and local public health officials, the individuals identified in this outbreak reported consuming alfalfa sprouts prior to their illness onset, either at local restaurants or in their homes after purchasing from local grocery stores. Preliminary traceback evidence indicates that the restaurants and grocery stores identified in this outbreak received alfalfa sprouts from SunSprout Enterprises. Additionally, two of the individuals identified in this outbreak confirmed they had purchased Sun Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts from their local grocery store. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) conducted on clinical samples collected from ill individuals identified 15 isolates that matched the outbreak strain: Oklahoma (1), Nebraska (8), and South Dakota (6). WGS for additional clinical isolates are still pending sequencing.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Douglas County Health Department, Sarpy/Cass Health Department, and Three Rivers Public Health Department, continues to investigate a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhimurium. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are assisting with the investigation.

On Dec. 29, SunSprout Enterprises initiated a voluntary recall of two lots (# 4211 and 5211) of raw alfalfa sprouts due to potential contamination with Salmonella. On the same day, SunSprout Enterprises expanded their voluntary recall to include two additional lots (# 3212, and 4212) of raw alfalfa sprouts. The raw alfalfa sprouts for all recalled lots (#4211, 5211, 3212, and 4212) are packaged in 4-ounce clamshells and 2.5 lb packages with best sold by dates between 12/10/2022 and 1/7/2023.

The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. FDA will update this advisory should additional consumer safety information become available.

Recommendation Advice for consumers, restaurants, and retailers: Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled Sun Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should check their refrigerators for recalled Sun Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts with best by dates between 12/10/2022 and 1/7/2023. If you purchased or used recalled alfalfa sprouts, you should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with these products, to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

If you or someone in your household ate Sun Sprouts alfalfa sprouts and have symptoms of salmonellosis, please contact your healthcare provider.

Suppliers and Distributors: Suppliers, distributors and others in the supply chain should not use, ship or sell recalled alfalfa sprouts grown by SunSprout Enterprises. If there has been potential cross-contamination or mixing of recalled alfalfa sprouts with products from other sources, suppliers and distributors should not use any comingled and potentially cross-contaminated product and should use extra vigilance in cleaning any surfaces and storage areas that may have come into contact with recalled alfalfa sprouts.