Outbreak Summary
A cluster of E. Coli O103 cases have been tied to clover sprouts distributed by Sprouts Unlimited, Inc. to Hy-Vee Grocery stores, Fareway grocery stores, and Jimmy John’s sandwich shops in Iowa.
Sprouts Unlimited has announced a recall of the sprouts sold to grocery stores.
This page will update below as further information becomes known.
More Details
December 27, 2019 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Sprouts Unlimited, Inc. is recalling clover sprouts after public health officials epidemiologically linked a cluster of E. coli O103 illnesses to the sprouts sold by the company.
The affected sprouts were distributed to Hy-Vee grocery stores, Fareway grocery stores, and Jimmy John’s sub sandwich restaurants in Iowa. The sprouts sold in grocery stores were packaged in pint containers from Sprouts Unlimited, Inc. with a blue label on the lid. According to the FDA, UPC code 7 32684 00013 6 is stamped on the bottom right side of the label.
Anyone who purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you believe you were sickened in this outbreak, please contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal rights to compensation.
Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli, is a naturally occurring bacteria found in the environment, food, and in human and animal intestines. The strains of E. coli that cause illness in humans are those that produce the Shiga toxin (STEC, VTEC, EHEC).
While the symptoms associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli vary, the most common signs of an E. coli infection are:
E. coli, like many bacteria and viruses, has an incubation period. This is a delay between when someone is exposed to the bacteria and when that person displays symptoms. For E. coli, the incubation period can last between one and 10 days, with an average of three-four days for when symptoms begin to show.
E. coli often starts as an upset stomach and non-bloody diarrhea, which will then escalate over several days.
Up to 10% of individuals suffering from a STEC infection develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a life-threatening condition. HUS develops about seven days after the first E. coli symptoms appear and when the diarrhea is improving. HUS can cause a person’s kidneys to stop working. If you notice the signs, you should get yourself or loved one to the hospital for treatment right away.
Symptoms of HUS include:
OFT Law offers free consultations to anybody potentially impacted by this outbreak. Our food safety lawyers can answer your questions and help you pursue compensation.