Marler Clark, the Food Safety Law Firm, was retained by a woman who consumed tainted sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurant and experienced symptoms of E. coli O103. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified the origin of the sprouts, tracing them to Chicago Indoor Garden and potentially other growers. The sprouts were sold to Jimmy John's, Whole Foods and other retailers, and distributed to others who are not yet identified. Jimmy John's LLC stopped serving sprouts as of February 24, 2020.
On March 16, 2020, Chicago Indoor Garden recalled all products containing red clover sprouts. Recalled products were marked with a "Best by" date of March 12, 2020. Recalled products included:
- Red Clover 4 oz. clamshell
- Red Clover 2 lb. boxes
- Sprout Salad 6 oz. clamshell
- Mixed Greens 4 oz. clamshell
- Spring Salad 6 oz. clamshell
As of April 2019, 51 people had become infected with E.coli from ten states; Illinois (7), Iowa (3), Idaho (1), Florida (1), Missouri (1), New York (1), Texas (1) and Utah (34), Virginia (1), Wyoming (1). The illnesses began on dates ranging from January 6, 2020 to March 2, 2020. Two individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths had been reported at this time.
People infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O103, by state of residence, as of April 22, 2020 (n=51).
Those ill ranged in age from 1 to 79 years, with a median age of 29. Of those interviewed, fifty-six percent reported eating sprouts in the week before the onset of symptoms. Seventeen (63%) of the 27 interviewed reported eating sprouts at a Jimmy John's restaurant.
Following April 2019, more illnesses may have been reported as there is time between consumption and when the first symptoms occur; it takes an average of 3 to 4 weeks between when a person becomes ill and when they report the illness.
People infected with the outbreak strain of E.coli O103, by date of illness onset*
*n=51 for whom information was estimated or reported as of April 22, 2020.
As of April 22, 2020, this outbreak appears to be over.