The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Minnesota Department of Health, among other local authorities, found that the e. coli outbreak that broke out over two states is likely connected to alfalfa sprouts produced by Jack & the Green Sprouts. This brand of alfalfa sprouts are not safe to eat, as they may be contaminated with STECO157.
Jack and The Green Sprouts Alfalfa E. coli Outbreak Recall
On February 25, 2016, Jack & The Green Sprouts, Inc. of River Falls, Wisconsin recalled all alfalfa and alfalfa onion sprout products after the Minnesota Department of Health received several reports of e. coli illnesses associated with the products. According the CDC press release, the alfalfa sprouts were packaged in a plastic clamshell container with a round, brightly colored label on top that notes the sprout variety.
Jack and The Green Sprouts Alfalfa E. coli Outbreak Details
At this point, authorities found nine people infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coliO157 (STEC O157).
Two of the infected people were hospitalized. None of the infected people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, an e. coli symptom and a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
Eight of the people infected were interviewed, and they all reported eating or maybe eating alfalfa sprouts or menu items containing alfalfa sprouts in the week before they became ill. All victims of the outbreak were from two states: Minnesota (7) and Wisconsin (2).
The CDC does not believe this e. coli outbreak to be related to the ongoing multistate outbreak of Salmonella Muenchen infections linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Sweetwater Farms of Inman, Kansas. However, sprouts are a known source of food borne illness.
FOOD POISONING LAWSUIT HELP
The Weinberg Law Firm has helped food poisoning victims nationwide receive compensation for their injuries and related damages. If you or a loved one has been injured after eating an E. coli contaminated food product , and you would like to know more about your legal rights, please call our lawyers at 1-877-934-6274 or visit our Food Poisoning Lawsuit Help page.
About E. coli
Escherichia coli or E. coli is a type of bacterium that lives in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. While many strains of E. coli are harmless, some strains are capable of producing a powerful toxin, known as Shiga toxin, and can cause severe, life-threatening illness. These pathogenic strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli are often referred to as “STEC.”
Children and the elderly are at greatest risk for suffering complications resulting from E. coli infection, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP).
For more information about E. coli, view our About E. coli page.
Symptoms of E. coli Food Poisoning
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. There is usually little or no fever. The infection (and its symptoms) will vary from individual to individual, ranging from a mild to a life-threatening illness.
For more information on the symptoms and complications associated with E. coli, visit E. coli Symptoms and Complications.
