More E. coli Cases Potentially Linked To Evergreens Restaurants

SEATTLE, WA — An outbreak of E. coli potentially linked to six Evergreens restaurant locations has grown to 13 cases, health officials announced Friday. According to King County Public Health, genetic testing on ten patients found the illnesses shared a related strain of the infection, suggesting a common source. Investigators have not determined the cause of the outbreak.

Health officials said 12 patients developed symptoms after eating food at the salad restaurants. A thirteenth patient said they had not eaten at Evergreens. The meals in question were eaten between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11, 2019, and the illnesses were reported between Nov. 8 and Nov. 15. Three people were hospitalized, and all have since recovered.

According to Public Health, the strain identified in this outbreak does not appear to be related to a multi-state outbreak linked to romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, Calif.

Health investigators have visited five Evergreens locations since Nov. 21 and plan to visit the sixth location soon. Public Health will visit all 15 Evergreens locations in King County over the next two weeks.

During their inspections, health inspectors said they did not find obvious issues associated with the spread of E. coli. Investigators reviewed proper sanitation procedures among staff and reviewed sick policies with management. Public Health said Evergreens threw away all romaine lettuce products in their stores.

Health officials said the outbreak could be the result of contaminated items delivered to Evergreens, but samples collected from two locations tested negative for E. coli. Public Health will work with state and federal agencies to trace the distribution of all the ingredients eaten by those who became sick. All six restaurants received top marks during previous routine food safety inspections.

LOCATIONS POTENTIALLY LINKED TO OUTBREAK

Seattle
-106 1st Ave. S (Pioneer Square)
-4609 Village Ter NE (University District)
-823 3rd Ave. (Downtown)
-504 5th Ave. S (Chinatown-ID)

SAMMAMISH
-600 228th Ave. NE (Sammamish Highlands)

SEA-TAC
-17801 International Blvd. (Sea-Tac Airport)

Evergreens released a statement last week, including contact information for those with questions.

"Evergreen's is committed to the health and safety of our employees and guests and we are working closely with the Health Department. Evergreen's has set-up a dedicated toll-free phone line for those who may have questions or issues. We encourage our guests with questions to reach out to us at our toll-free number 877-394-4146."