Evergreen Fresh Sprouts Outbreak Rises to 32 Salmonella Cases

A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to recalled broccoli sprouts grown by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts has reached 32 reported illnesses across six states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s September 24 update. Three people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. The FDA says its investigation remains ongoing.

The outbreak strain is Salmonella Bovismorbificans. Illnesses began between July 7 and September 3, 2026, with cases reported in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The current totals are a dated snapshot and may change as public health agencies identify or reclassify cases.

The epidemiological signal is unusually concentrated. Of 27 people interviewed, 26 reported eating sprouts or microgreens before becoming ill. Twenty-two specifically reported broccoli sprouts, while one reported a microgreen mix containing broccoli microgreens.

Laboratory evidence also connects the product to the outbreak. Washington State officials collected Evergreen Fresh broccoli sprouts from a grocery store and from a sick person’s home. Both samples tested positive, and whole genome sequencing showed that the bacteria matched the outbreak strain.

The recall covers Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts packed in plastic bags or clamshell containers with expiration dates of September 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16. The products were sold to grocery stores, restaurants and foodservice customers in Idaho, Montana and Washington, although the FDA says distribution may have extended farther.

Because those dates have passed, the recalled sprouts should no longer be offered for sale. The FDA nevertheless advises consumers, restaurants and retailers not to eat, serve or sell any affected product that remains in storage, and to clean and sanitize surfaces or containers that touched it to reduce cross-contamination risk.

The case also matters for produce and foodservice operators because it combines epidemiological, traceback and genomic evidence. The FDA is still working to determine the original source of contamination and whether any additional products remain a concern. Officials are treating this outbreak separately from another 2026 investigation involving alfalfa sprouts.

For suppliers and buyers, the practical issue is traceability beyond the printed expiration date. Restaurants and distributors may retain packaging, invoices or stored inventory after retail sale has ended, so lot identification and customer notification remain important even when the product is no longer expected on shelves.