The FDA Links Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak to Frozen Sprouted Beans

The U.S. is experiencing a massive Salmonella outbreak, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes it has finally pinpointed the source.

According to the FDA, the outbreak was first identified in October 2024, following the first reported case of illness. The most recent individual to fall ill as part of the outbreak was on June 24.

The FDA revealed on July 17 that the source of the outbreak is Chetak LLC’s Deep-brand frozen sprouted mat (moth) beans and frozen sprouted moong (mung) beans. The agency identified the problem through routine sampling. “The product samples tested positive for Salmonella, and whole genome sequencing analysis determined that the Salmonella present in the samples matched the strain causing illnesses in this outbreak,” the FDA added. 

It noted that, to date, 11 people have been reported ill in connection with the outbreak from 10 different states, including Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.

In response to the news, the brand and the FDA issued a recall notice for several of its products. The recall includes the following:

Deep-brand Sprouted Mat (Moth) in one-pound (454 grams) packages with the following lot codes printed on the back side of the bag: IN 24330, IN 25072, IN 25108, IN 24353, IN 25171, IN 24297, IN 25058, IN 25078, IN 24291, IN 25107, IN 24354, IN 24292

Deep-brand Sprouted Moong (Mung) in one-pound (454 grams) packages with the following lot codes printed on the back side of the bag: IN 24330, IN 25072, IN 25108, IN 24353, IN 25171, IN 24297, IN 25058, IN 25078, IN 24291, IN 25107, IN 24354, IN 24292

Salmonella, the FDA explained, is a “group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis.” It added that it can spread through food handlers who “do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps, and when people eat raw or undercooked foods.” 

While most people infected with Salmonella recover without treatment, those with weakened immune systems, children, or the elderly are especially vulnerable to severe cases. Usually, symptoms appear within 12 to 72 hours after infection and can include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, according to the FDA. Though more severe cases of salmonellosis may involve a “high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “approximately 450 persons in the United States die each year from acute salmonellosis.”

If you’ve purchased the product, the FDA recommends that you discard it immediately. If you’ve already consumed the product and become ill, contact your healthcare provider right away.