2014 Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Wholesome Soy Products Mung Bean Sprouts

Five patients were infected with Listeria monocytogenes after consuming mung bean sprouts produced by Wholesome Soy Products. Patients lived in Illinois (4) and Michigan (1). All ill patients were hospitalized. Two died. The FDA isolated Listeria monocytogenes from mung bean sprouts and sprout irrigation water samples obtained during a routine assignment on August 13, 2014 at Wholesome Soy Products, Inc. Based on this finding the FDA inspected the facility from August 12, 2014 through Sept. 3, 2014 and isolated Listeria from 25 environmental swabs. Using PFGE and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), public health investigators identified cases patients. Illness onsets ranged from June through August 2014. Two of the five people were interviewed and both reported consuming sprouts in the month before becoming ill.

Overview

Outbreak began:June 2014
Affected country:US
States/territories:IN, MI
Pathogen:Listeria monocytogenes
Vehicle(s):Sprouts
Location(s):Private Home, Retail
Brand name(s):Wholesome Soy Products, Inc.
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:5
Number hospitalized:5
Number of deaths:2

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents