Illinois Salmonella Cases Linked To Jimmy John's Sprouts

The Illinois Department of Public Health said two cases of salmonella in Illinois are linked to sprouts served at Jimmy John's restaurants. Illinois residents reported becoming ill on Dec. 20 and Dec. 26, respectively, according to IDPH.

"Based on a review of produce, suppliers and items consumed, investigators believe the most likely source of the infection is sprouts from multiple Jimmy John’s locations," health officials said, but did not specify which Illinois Jimmy John's locations were involved.

Illinois health officials said they are investigating the "multi-state salmonella cluster" along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and other state and local health departments.

State health officials have asked Jimmy John's to remove sprouts from the menu until the investigation is complete.

Jimmy John's issued a statement Saturday saying all locations chain-wide have been directed to stop serving sprouts as the company investigates a total of seven consumer complaints in Illinois and Wisconsin.

The company said an investigation over the previous 24 hours indicates that sprouts purchased from two growers in Minnesota may be linked to the complaints, which were received over a one-week period in December.

“Food safety and the welfare of our customers are our top priorities and not negotiable in our business,” James North, president and CEO said in a statement. “We have been working closely with the Departments of Health in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as their federal counterparts, as they investigate the claims. While the results of the investigation are not conclusive and we are still gathering more information, we have voluntarily directed all franchisees to remove sprouts as a precautionary measure from all supply and distribution.”

Symptoms of a salmonella bacteria infection include headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, chills, fever, nausea and dehydration, according to IDPH. Most people develop symptoms within six to 72 hours of ingesting the bacteria, although sometimes it takes a bit longer.

Most salmonella infections resolve on their own and can be treated simply by drinking fluids to stay hydrated. If symptoms become severe, patients should contact their doctor, IDPH said.

"Almost any food can be contaminated with Salmonella," IDPH said. "Person-to-person transmission of Salmonella occurs when an infected person’s feces, from his or her unwashed hands, contaminates food during preparation, or comes into direct contact with another person."