Jimmy John's switches to clover sprouts

Jimmy John's is replacing alfalfa sprouts with easier-to-clean clover sprouts in response to an 18-state salmonella outbreak linked to the company's alfalfa sprouts.

Since Nov. 1, 112 people have come down with salmonella poisoning, with 59 infected in Illinois alone, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control.

“We are making the switch immediately in our corporate-owned stores and recommending all franchisees make the switch too,” the company announced Monday.

A Jimmy John's alfalfa sprouts supplier based in Urbana, Ill., recently recalled a number of lots of their sprouts because their potential to be contaminated with salmonella.

Many of those who became sick in Illinois reported eating alfalfa sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurants in nine counties — Adams, Champaign, Cook, Kankakee, McHenry, McLean, Peoria, Will and Winnebago, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Jimmy John's said they decided to make the switch because it may decrease the chance for contamination.

“Clover sprout seeds are smooth surface seeds and are easier to clean,” according to their announcement.