Rusty equipment found at sprouts grower

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Federal inspectors have found numerous problems at a northern Idaho sprouts grower linked to a recent E. coli outbreak.

Inspectors for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found rusty and corroded watering systems and corroded implements used in growing and harvesting sprouts at Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC of Moyie Springs, Idaho.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 17 people in Idaho, Washington and three other states were infected in the outbreak of E. coli O121. Eight of them were hospitalized.

The Spokesman-Review reported Wednesday that the investigation indicates a strong link to raw clover sprouts from Evergreen. The FDA determined that the grower supplied sprouts to seven restaurants where nine of the infected persons had eaten before they became ill.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com

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