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Gardeners Basics recalled one-pound bags of broccoli sprouting seeds distributed nationwide after the seeds were linked to a Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak. At least 32 people in six states have been sickened, and the FDA has not publicly named the supplier of the implicated seed lot.
Gardeners Basics is recalling one-pound bags of its Waltham 29 broccoli sprouting seeds after the product was linked to a Salmonella Bovismorbificans outbreak that has sickened at least 32 people in six states. The recall adds to actions by other companies over seeds connected to the investigation, while the FDA has not publicly named the seed supplier whose lot tested positive for the outbreak strain.
The recalled item is Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, sold in white-and-green resealable pouches weighing one pound. The packages carry UPC 848137042889 and are marked “Packed for 2027.” Gardeners Basics, based in Spanish Fork, Utah, said the seeds were distributed nationwide and sold through Amazon, its website, TikTok Shop, Walmart, eBay and Etsy.
The outbreak count stands at at least 32 illnesses across Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Three people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The last known patient in the outbreak had symptoms begin on September 3, according to the source report. The outbreak is being investigated separately from another outbreak involving shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts.
FDA testing found Salmonella in a seed sample collected from the supplier identified during the investigation. Whole genome sequencing showed the bacteria matched the strain associated with the illnesses. The supplier recalled the implicated lot and contacted customers, but the agency has not disclosed the supplier’s name. Earlier recalls included EAK Distribution’s Home Grown green sprouting broccoli seeds, announced October 2, and Eden Brothers’ calabrese broccoli seeds, announced October 7. Those recalls cited supplier lot W4105.
The Recall Reaches More Seed Buyers
The additional recall matters because the product was sold nationwide through several online retailers, putting the affected seeds within reach of home gardeners and people growing sprouts for food. Sprouting seeds are intended to be grown and eaten, and the investigation has connected the implicated seed lot to a strain found in sick people. Consumers who bought the specified product should check the package details and follow the recall instructions rather than use the seeds.
The reported illness count may not capture everyone affected. The CDC says outbreak totals commonly miss cases when people do not seek care or are not tested for Salmonella. Food Safety News reports that for every confirmed Salmonella outbreak patient, 29 may go undetected; that is an estimate, not a count of additional cases in this outbreak. The known 32 illnesses and three hospitalizations establish a public-health concern, while the true scale remains uncertain.
Salmonella-contaminated food can look, smell and taste normal. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, often beginning 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Infants, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of severe illness. People who develop symptoms after eating sprouts should seek medical care and tell a clinician about the possible exposure.
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How the Seed Lot Was Traced
The FDA’s investigation has linked more than one product recall to seed lot W4105. EAK Distribution of Casper, Wyoming, recalled Home Grown green sprouting broccoli seeds after the supplier notified it about the lot and its connection to the outbreak. Eden Brothers of Arden, North Carolina, recalled calabrese broccoli seed packets and one-pound and one-ounce packages associated with supplier lot W4105. The Gardeners Basics action is another company-branded recall connected to the investigation.
There are also separate findings involving Evergreen Fresh Sprouts of Moyie Springs, Idaho. Washington investigators found alfalfa sprouts—not seeds—contaminated with the outbreak strain, and the FDA is investigating the company. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts initiated a recall of broccoli sprouts on September 4 after Montana officials found Salmonella in a sample; sequencing reviewed by the FDA matched the outbreak strain. These findings concern different products and should not be confused with the seed-lot recalls.
In an FDA update dated September 24, 26 of 27 interviewed patients said they had eaten sprouts or microgreens. That information describes the interviewed group at that point in the investigation; it does not establish that every patient ate the same product or that all sprouts involved came from one source.
“The seed sample tested positive, and whole genome sequencing showed it matched the same Salmonella Bovismorbificans strain making people sick in the outbreak.”
— Food and Drug Administration
Supplier Identity Still Withheld
The FDA has not publicly identified the seed supplier, even though its implicated seeds have been subject to recalls by multiple companies. The source material does not explain the agency’s reason for withholding the name, or say whether the supplier’s recall covers all customers and products affected by lot W4105. It also does not provide details on the full distribution of the implicated lot.
The investigation remains active, and the reported 32 illnesses may not be the final total. The available information does not establish whether additional products or suppliers will be named, whether the separately investigated sprout findings share a common source, or whether any further illnesses have occurred since the last reported onset on September 3.
Watch for FDA Investigation Updates
Consumers should compare their packages with the recalled product description and UPC, stop using matching seeds, and follow the company’s recall instructions. Do not eat or grow recalled seeds for consumption. Anyone who has eaten sprouts and develops diarrhea, fever or abdominal cramps should contact a health professional and mention the possible Salmonella exposure; testing may be needed to diagnose the infection.
The next public developments may include updated illness totals, findings from ongoing state and federal testing, or further recall notices. The FDA has not said when it will identify the supplier or provide another update. Until more information is released, the supplier’s public identity and the full scope of distribution remain unresolved.
Key Questions
Which Gardeners Basics seeds were recalled?
The recall covers Gardeners Basics Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds in one-pound white-and-green resealable pouches. The UPC is 848137042889, and packages are marked “Packed for 2027.”
How many people have been sickened?
At least 32 people in six states have been reported ill. Three were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The count may change as the investigation continues.
Has the FDA named the seed supplier?
No. The FDA has said testing of a supplier’s seed sample found Salmonella matching the outbreak strain, but it has not publicly identified the supplier.
What should someone do if they ate sprouts and feel sick?
Contact a health professional, describe the possible exposure and ask whether testing is needed. Salmonella symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, and typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food.
Source: rss
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