FDA traces clover sprouts in E. coli cases to common seed source
Clover sprouts from Jimmy John’s restaurants and a Chicago grower that have been linked to an E. coli outbreak came from a common seed lot.
The FDA announced the link on March 19, reporting that the number of cases has risen from 14 to 39.
Jimmy John’s removed sprouts from its menus in late February after the FDA linked it through whole genome sequencing to the outbreak. The agency later advised consumers to avoid certain sprout products from Chicago Indoor Garden; that company on March 16 recalled the products:
Red Clover in 4-ounce clamshells;
Red Clover in 2-pound boxes;
Sprout Salad in 6-ounce clamshells;
Mixed Greens in 4-ounce clamshells; and
Spring Salad in 6-ounce clamshells.
They have best-by days between Dec. 1-March 12.
“We assure you that we have been working diligently to produce a safe product for our customers,” Brian Gorman, Chicago Indoor Garden president, said in the recall notice. “In the meantime, we are continuing to grow red clover sprouts with seed from a different supplier to ensure this will no longer be problem in the future.”
Jimmy John’s was not listed as a recipient of any of the Chicago Indoor Garden products that were recalled.
On March 19, the FDA reported that a traceback investigation revealed the seeds used for Jimmy John’s sprouts and by the Chicago company came from the same seed lot. The seed supplier has not been named.
The FDA is continuing its traceback, to determine what other growers received seeds from that lot, if any, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also monitoring for additional illnesses linked to the sprouts.
The cases are in Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Utah, with the latter having the most cases, 27.
Related stories:
Chicago Indoor Garden recalls red clover sprouts products
FDA advises against eating sprouts from Chicago Indoor Garden
