Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo Infections Linked to Raw Sprouts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections.

Eight people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from three states. No hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported.

Epidemiologic evidence indicates that raw sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurants are a likely source of this multistate outbreak.

Ill people in this outbreak report eating raw sprouts on sandwiches served at Jimmy John’s restaurants in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Traceback investigations are ongoing to determine where the sprouts were distributed, and to learn more about the potential route of contamination.

Raw and lightly cooked sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness and outbreaks. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts). People with weakened immune systems include people undergoing cancer treatment, people with HIV/AIDS, people with diabetes, and other groups. If you are in one of these groups more likely to get a foodborne illness, ask food workers not to add raw or lightly cooked sprouts to your meal. If you buy a sandwich or salad at a restaurant or deli, check to make sure that it does not have raw sprouts. If you choose to eat sprouts, cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness. Thoroughly cooking sprouts kills the harmful bacteria.

Source: CDC