Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella bovismorbificans, a type of bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea, linked to contaminated broccoli sprouts. As of September 11, 2026, 22 people have fallen ill across Washington, Montana, Idaho, and Utah, with two requiring hospitalization in Washington.
Idaho-based Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC voluntarily recalled 215 cases of broccoli sprouts on Thursday due to potential contamination. The affected products were distributed to food co-ops, restaurants, food service customers, and grocery stores in Washington, Montana, and Idaho. These products are packaged in plastic bags or clamshell containers and bear expiration dates of September 7, 9, 11, 14, and 16.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging consumers, restaurants, and retailers to discard or return the recalled broccoli sprouts and to clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 22 illnesses, the agency cautions that the actual number of affected individuals may be higher, as it can take several weeks to confirm cases and report them. Many individuals recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing, which can lead to undercounting.
Illnesses associated with this outbreak began as early as July 7 and continued through August 26. Of the 19 individuals interviewed by public health officials, all confirmed consuming sprouts before becoming sick, and all but two specifically identified broccoli sprouts. The majority of reported illnesses, 16, occurred in Washington state.
The investigation began on September 2 when the Washington State Department of Health announced an inquiry into a salmonella outbreak affecting 13 residents who reported falling ill between July 7 and July 18 after eating the company's sprouts. The following day, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services initiated its own investigation after two individuals became ill. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts recalled its product after a sample tested positive for salmonella, according to the FDA.
Salmonella bovismorbificans can cause symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While most people recover on their own, vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications, including invasive infections and organ damage. In rare, severe cases, salmonella can enter the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or bone infections. Long-term complications such as reactive arthritis or post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome can also occur.
The CDC estimates that salmonella causes approximately 1.3 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths annually in the United States. The bacteria's resilience allows it to survive on surfaces for extended periods, making eradication from food production facilities challenging.
This outbreak follows a nationwide recall of jalapenos contaminated with salmonella, which as of August 21, had led to 431 cases and 57 hospitalizations across 32 states. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in preventing foodborne illnesses linked to produce.