A third brand of broccoli sprouting seeds has been recalled in a single week, as federal investigators continue tracing a multistate Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 32 people in six states, with three hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
The latest recall, posted October 8, covers Gardeners Basics’ Waltham 29 Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, sold nationwide through Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, eBay, Etsy and the company’s website. It follows an October 7 recall by Eden Brothers of its Calabrese broccoli seeds and an October 2 recall by EAK Distribution of its Home Grown green sprouting broccoli seeds. Investigators say all three products trace back to a single bulk seed lot, designated W4105.
Health agencies identified the link after collecting a seed sample from the supplier that tested positive, with whole-genome sequencing matching the outbreak strain found in patients. The cases span Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Utah and Washington, and among patients interviewed, nearly all reported eating sprouts or microgreens. Officials caution that the true case count is likely far higher, since most Salmonella infections are never laboratory-confirmed.
Consumers who sprout seeds at home are advised to check packets and bags for the affected lot codes, throw recalled seed in the household trash rather than compost, wash hands and sprouting equipment with hot soapy water, and contact the sellers about refunds. Anyone who has eaten the sprouts should watch for diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps over the following week and seek care if symptoms develop.
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