The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Bovismorbificans infections in multiple states. According to reports, the at least infection cases are being linked to recalled broccoli sprouts across four states, including two hospitalisations. The outbreak hasn't resulted in any casualties yet. The outbreak has been linked to broccoli sprouts grown by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC, based in Moyie Springs, Idaho. The FDA and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating the outbreak with state and local health authorities.The FDA has issued a clear warning: “Do not eat, serve, or sell recalled broccoli sprouts grown by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC.”How Were The Broccoli Sprouts Linked To The Outbreak?Also read: Granola Marketed For Nursing Mothers In US Recalled Over Potential Salmonella ContaminationAccording to the FDA, illnesses began between July 7 and August 26, 2026. Out of the 19 infected people who were interviewed by investigators, all 19 reported eating sprouts, while 17 specifically reported eating broccoli sprouts. That epidemiological pattern helped investigators identify sprouts as the likely driver of the infection.Traceback investigations by the FDA and state partners then identified Evergreen Fresh Sprouts as the common grower of broccoli sprouts eaten by patients before they became sick.On September 4, the company initiated a recall after Montana state officials found Salmonella in a sample of its broccoli sprout. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the Salmonella found in the product was the same strain causing illnesses in the outbreak.The recalled products were sold in plastic bags or plastic clamshell containers and have expiration dates of September 7, 9, 11, 14 or 16, 2026.Distribution has been confirmed in Idaho, Montana and Washington, although the FDA said the products may have reached additional states. The 22 cases are from Idaho, Montana, Utah and Washington.What Is Salmonella And How Serious Can It Be?Also read: Cyclospora to Alzheimer’s: Trump Administration Scales Back Key Health ResearchSalmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal infection usually acquired by consuming contaminated food or water.Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after exposure and can include diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people recover within four to seven days without specific treatment, but some infections can become severe.Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of serious complications from the infection. In severe cases, Salmonella can cause dehydration or allow the bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to invasive infection and complications affecting other organs.Why Can Raw Sprouts Carry Salmonella? Sprouts are grown in warm, moist conditions, which help seeds germinate but can also provide favourable conditions for bacterial growth.The seeds themselves can become contaminated before sprouting. Once bacteria are present, the warm and humid environment used to produce sprouts can allow them to multiply. Since sprouts are often eaten raw, there may be no cooking step to eliminate the bacteria.The current FDA investigation involves broccoli sprouts, and it is separate from another ongoing US investigation involving Salmonella and E. coli infections linked to alfalfa sprouts.Consumers, restaurants and retailers should not eat, sell or serve the recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts broccoli sprouts.The FDA also advises people who purchased or received the recalled product to carefully clean and sanitise surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the sprouts. This is important because Salmonella can spread through cross-contamination.Anyone who develops symptoms resembling Salmonella infection after eating the recalled sprouts should contact a healthcare provider.