Highlights

Updated January 16, 2020

Summary

Public Health investigated an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC) associated with seven Evergreens restaurants in King County, WA. This outbreak appears to be over. The most recent illness in this outbreak reported to Public Health started on November 17, 2019. Epidemiologic evidence and traceback completed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest leafy greens as a possible source.

This outbreak occurred in the context of a national E. coli outbreak associated with romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California growing region, which was announced by the CDC on November 22, 2019. On January 15, 2020, the CDC announced this outbreak also now appears to be over. Genetic testing completed on 11 of the 16 cases in this local cluster did not match the genetic fingerprint of the strain associated with this national outbreak.

Illnesses

Since November 20, 2019, we have learned of 16 people in WA (14 in King County and 2 in Snohomish County) who developed symptoms consistent with an E. coli illness after consuming food from seven different Evergreens restaurants in King County.
Illness onsets occurred during November 8–17, 2019. Meal dates were during November 5–11, 2019.

Three people were hospitalized. Everyone who reported illness has recovered.

Public Health actions

During November 21 to December 16, 2019, Environmental Health investigators visited all 7 of the Evergreens locations where the ill people reported eating. During their field inspections, investigators identified a potential risk factor of cold holding at only one location (International District). They did not observe environmental or behavioral risk factors associated with the spread of E. coli at any of the other 6 locations, such as poor handwashing practices or improper time and temperature control of foods. Out of an abundance of caution, Environmental Health investigators also visited the remaining 9 King County locations by December 23, 2019 to ensure their compliance with food safety practices.

At each Evergreens location, Public Health investigators reviewed with staff proper sanitizing practices to help prevent the spread of E. coli. In accordance with CDC's recommendations, Evergreens restaurants discarded all romaine lettuce products from their stores, including romaine on the line and in coolers. Finally, management reviewed their sick policy with all employees.

Public Health investigators revisited the 7 Evergreens restaurant locations where ill cases reported eating to confirm that these actions were taken.

Public Health identified two employees who experienced symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection after eating at Evergreens, but who were not tested. There is no evidence indicating these people were the source of the outbreak. During their visits, investigators reviewed the requirement that restaurant employees are not allowed to work while having vomiting or diarrhea.

Public Health collected samples of various produce from two Evergreens locations where the ill people ate. E. coli testing of these food products at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory were negative.

Public Health worked with the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the FDA on tracing back the distributors and sources for ingredients the people who became ill consumed in their meals. Traceback is used to identify other points of contamination up the supply chain.

Laboratory testing

Eleven of 16 people reporting illness tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. All 11 isolates shared a closely related E. coli genetic fingerprint, suggesting that they have a common source of infection.

The remaining five people who got sick were not tested for STEC, but their symptoms are suggestive of an E. coli infection.

Report possible foodborne illness

Link/share this page at www.kingcounty.gov/outbreak/evergreens