By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O103 infections linked to clover sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurants.

Image/CDC

To date, 14 illnesses caused by E. coli O103 have been reported in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Texas and Utah.

Jimmy John’s LLC reported that all of its restaurants stopped serving clover sprouts on Feb. 24, 2020. At this time, clover sprouts should not be available at any Jimmy John’s restaurants.

The CDC is recommending that consumers who have recently eaten clover sprouts on a sandwich from Jimmy John’s restaurants and who are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection, such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, should contact their doctor and report their illness to their local health department.

Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, Frank Yiannas said, “Upon learning that this new outbreak is likely linked to clover sprouts from Jimmy John’s restaurants, the FDA activated a team to initiate a traceback investigation and federal health officials will continue to monitor for illnesses.

FDA issues warning letter to Jimmy John’s over foodborne illness and food safety issues

“We are advising consumers who may have recently eaten sprouts at Jimmy John’s to monitor for symptoms of an E. coli infection and consumers should contact their health care provider if they have experienced common foodborne illness symptoms.

“If consumers have a leftover sandwich with clover sprouts from Jimmy John’s, do not eat it and throw it away.”

Outbreak News Merchandise