Marler Clark, the Food Safety Law Firm, has filed the third lawsuit on behalf of a young woman who consumed tainted sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurant and experienced symptoms of E. coli O103.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has 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. COMPLAINT

To date, 51 people have 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 have been reported at this time.

Jimmy John's outbreak map 4.22.20

Those ill range 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.

More illnesses may still be 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.

On March 16, 2020, Chicago Indoor Garden recalled all products containing red clover sprouts. Recalled products are marked with a “Best by” date of March 12,2020. Recalled products include:

  • 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