In a follow-up on the multistate outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo linked to raw sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurant locations, federal health officials declared the outbreak over yesterday.
Ten people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Montevideo were reported from three states- Wisconsin (6), Minnesota (2) and Illinois (2). No hospitalizations and no deaths were reported.
Epidemiologic evidence indicated that raw sprouts were the likely source of this multistate outbreak. Ill people in this outbreak reported eating raw sprouts on sandwiches served at Jimmy John’s restaurants in Illinois and Wisconsin. One ill person in this outbreak reported eating raw sprouts purchased from a grocery store in Minnesota.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the outbreak appears to be over. Any contaminated sprouts that made people sick in this outbreak would now be older than their recommended shelf life. FDA and state, and local regulatory officials conducted traceback investigations to help determine the source of the sprouts and their distribution chain. To date, no contamination source has been identified.
Regardless of where they are served or sold, raw and lightly cooked, sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness and outbreaks. People who choose to eat sprouts should cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness.