In a year already packed with food recalls and safety warnings, a popular sprouting vegetable has just joined the list — and this time, it’s serious.
A batch of frozen sprouts has been recalled across the U.S. after 15 people fell ill, with four of them ending up in the hospital.
What’s Been Recalled and Why
The FDA issued a nationwide alert for Deep brand frozen sprouts, specifically the Deep Sprouted Mat and Deep Sprouted Moong sold in 16-ounce packs.
These were produced by Chetak LLC and were available in physical stores and via mail order.
Routine safety tests flagged the products as being contaminated with Salmonella, prompting the urgent recall.
While the products have already been pulled from shelves, officials are worried that many households might still have them in their freezers.
Why Salmonella Is a Big Deal
While some people bounce back quickly from a bout of Salmonella, it can be very serious — even life-threatening — for pregnant women, older adults, and anyone with a weaker immune system.
The infection can spread to the bloodstream and lead to more dangerous complications.
Even for healthy people, symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps can make for a rough few days.
Where the Outbreak Has Hit
The outbreak has affected at least ten states so far — with confirmed cases in Massachusetts (2), and one each in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
Health officials believe the real number of sick individuals is likely much higher, since many people recover at home without seeing a doctor or getting tested.
Who’s Getting Sick
According to the CDC, the average age of those infected is around 43, and about half are women.
Interestingly, all the known cases so far are among people of Asian backgrounds, though officials haven’t drawn a direct link yet between the product and any specific community.
Production Paused While Source Is Investigated
Chetak LLC has now halted production of the sprouted beans as FDA and CDC investigators work to trace how the contamination happened.
In past cases, similar outbreaks have been linked to seeds coming into contact with contaminated water — especially if it’s mixed with animal waste, which can carry Salmonella bacteria.
While most sprout producers disinfect their seeds, the process isn’t always 100% effective.
What You Should Do Right Now
If you’ve recently bought frozen sprouted beans — especially from the Deep brand — the FDA says you should check the lot code on the back of the packaging.
The agency has shared a list of affected lot numbers on its website.
If your package matches, you’re advised to throw it away immediately or return it for a full refund — do not eat it, even if it looks or smells fine.
Bigger Picture: Multiple Outbreaks Under Watch
This isn’t the only foodborne illness officials are tracking right now.
The FDA is also investigating a separate Salmonella outbreak affecting 18 people, and another involving a microscopic parasite that’s already sickened 24 people.
Investigators are interviewing patients to try and figure out what food products might be behind these latest scares — and whether they could be linked to any common supplier.
Final Warning from the Experts
In a joint statement, the FDA and CDC reminded the public that even frozen vegetables can carry dangerous bacteria.
Just because something’s in your freezer doesn’t mean it’s safe forever.
So if you’ve got sprouts in the back of your fridge or freezer that match the description, don’t take any chances — check the label and toss it if needed.