A salmonella outbreak linked to bean sprouts has been reported in 10 states, including Maine. New York-based bean sprout supplier Wonton Food Inc is the source of the outbreak. Maine Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Sheila Pinette says bean sprouts are grown in conditions conducive to salmonella.
"They grow in water-generated type of growth underneath, and so you can pick up salmonella in the seed and it can be throughout the sprout," Pinette says.
Pinette says at least two of the three salmonella cases in Maine were contracted out of state. Salmonella infections usually develop within 12 to 72 hours and cause diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and headaches that can last for up to a week.
Pinette says anyone with diarrhea should stay at home and practice good hand washing.
