Federal health officials closed the broccoli-sprout Salmonella outbreak investigation on November 4, after 34 illnesses across six states. Recalled seeds can remain in storage long after fresh sprouts expire, and the FDA is still telling consumers and food businesses to check for them and throw them away.
The FDA's final update identifies a contaminated broccoli-seed lot imported from New Zealand as the likely source. The CDC confirms the investigation is closed. The seed recalls began in October, so the November development is the investigation's conclusion.
The seed packages to check
The three consumer seed brands have different package markings. Match the name, size and identifying code against the relevant notice.
| Brand | Recalled product | Identifying information |
|---|---|---|
| Gardeners Basics | Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, 1 pound | White and green resealable pouch, UPC 848137042889, marked "Packed for 2027" |
| Eden Brothers | Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, packet, 1 ounce or 1 pound | Lots 1022067 or 1022068, supplier lot W4105 |
| Home Grown | Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 ounces, heirloom | Cream-colored pouch, UPC 850056627443, AUG172026 embossed on the top seal |
The Gardeners Basics notice is dated October 8. Its products were sold nationwide through Amazon, the company's website, TikTok Shop, Walmart, eBay and Etsy.
Eden Brothers recalled the affected lots October 7. The company says they were sold through its website and Amazon from July 8 through September 28, depending on size.
EAK Distribution's Home Grown recall dates to October 2 and covers nationwide Amazon sales from August 20 through September 18.
What to do with recalled seeds
Stop using the affected seeds. Eden Brothers specifically says not to plant, sprout, eat or share them, or use them for microgreens. It instructs customers to seal them in a bag and put them in household trash, away from compost.
The refund routes differ. Gardeners Basics offers recall assistance or a refund if the affected purchase has not already been refunded. Eden Brothers directs customers to its recall reply form. EAK Distribution tells Home Grown buyers to contact Amazon for a full refund. The linked company notices contain those contact details and instructions.
The FDA also advises cleaning and sanitizing surfaces or containers that touched recalled sprouts or seeds. Contact a health care provider if symptoms resembling Salmonella infection follow eating recalled sprouts or handling recalled seeds.
What the investigation found
Illnesses began from July 7 through September 11 in Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington, according to the FDA. Laboratory testing found the outbreak strain in broccoli sprouts and seeds, and traceback led investigators to the common seed lot.
Evergreen Fresh Sprouts' recalled broccoli sprouts are past expiration. The remaining storage check concerns the longer-lived seeds. CDC says this outbreak appears separate from the recent Salmonella and E. coli outbreaks linked to Everything Sprouts' alfalfa sprouts.
