Seattle Times staff report:

A Kent company that grows sprouts has been named in at least two lawsuits over Salmonella illness.

Sprouters Northwest voluntarily recalled its products earlier this month, amid reports that at least eight people in Washington and Oregon had become ill after eating sprouts. Tests traced the source back to the company’s product, according to the state Department of Health.

On Friday, Marler Clark, a Seattle food-safety law firm, filed suit on behalf of an Oregon woman who became sick. The firm also filed suit on behalf of a Kitsap County woman. Both suffered gastrointestinal symptoms that grew worse until they had to seek medical attention, the lawsuits state.

Salmonellosis is a common infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and vomiting, according to the Department of Health. It can also cause serious injury or even death. The elderly, people with low immune systems and the very young are at particular risk.