Jimmy John's Pulls Sprouts From Stores, Including 3 In Round Rock

AUSTIN, TX — Officials at the Jimmy John's chain of sandwich shops have directed all of its 2,700-plus franchises — including three Round Rock sites — to pull sprouts from the menu amid reports of illness.

In a statement, the chain's President and CEO James North explained the move was made in an abundance of caution following reports of illness from consumers and Wisconsin in the last week of December 2017.

Company officials pulled the products from all their 2,727 locations after learning that sprouts purchased from a pair of Minnesota could be linked to seven complaints of food illness. The chain's three local restaurants are located at 115 Sundance Pkwy., Suite 510; 110 N. Interstate 35; 200 University Blvd., Suite 300.

To find a Jimmy John's location in your area, click here.

“Food safety and the welfare of our customers are our top priorities and not negotiable in our business,” North said in a prepared 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."

Several food safety agencies were reportedly investigating the recent cluster of infections attributed to Salmonella infections.

Among the various symptoms of Salmonella are abdominal cramping, chills, dehydration, diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, Symptoms typically arise from six to 72 hours after ingesting the bacteria, although it may take longer for them to develop.

Most cases resolve on their own without medical treatment, and it's advised that those felled drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated. Of course, those experiencing prolonged of severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued an alert on the Jimmy John's sprouts with an extensive FAQ section that would prove helpful to those concerned. To visit that page, click here.

For their part, Jimmy John's officials tried to assuage customer's concerns and the frustrations of sprouts lovers in a Facebook post:"Sprout fans, we hear your cry!!! I understand that some of you are bummed, sad, pissed, or missing an old friend. Trust me, I feel the same way. We are committed to resolving this issue, Jimmy John is all over it and will update you soon...Stay Tuned!"

Jimmy John's locations in the Austin area include:

• 4220 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 150, Austin.
• 1100 Center Ridge Dr., Suite 360, Austin.
• 13429 U.S. Highway 183 N., Austin.
• 115 Sundance Pkwy., Suite 510, Round Rock.
• 110 N. Interstate 35, Round Rock.
• 200 University Blvd., Suite 300, Round Rock.
• 1400 E. Whetstone Dr., Suite 500, Cedar Park.

>>> Photo by Lou Liebau on Unsplash