Alfalfa Sprouts Recalled After E. coli, Salmonella Outbreak Sickens Dozens

Federal health officials have linked an outbreak of E. coli and salmonella, which has sickened dozens of people across 15 states, to alfalfa sprouts supplied by Minneapolis-based Everything Sprouts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the findings on Friday.

At least 55 cases have been confirmed nationwide. Of these, 46 individuals were infected with E. coli, seven with salmonella, and two with both illnesses. Four patients have required hospitalization. The illnesses were reported between May 31 and August 8, with Minnesota and Wisconsin experiencing the highest number of cases.

Everything Sprouts has voluntarily recalled certain lots of alfalfa sprouts that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and salmonella. These sprouts were supplied to third-party distributors and retail grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin beginning May 27. The recalled products include those sold in 5-ounce plastic containers.

The company stated that it has conducted daily tests since the outbreak began and has not received any positive lab results, nor have they received reports of illnesses involving their specific alfalfa sprouts. However, the FDA confirmed the link to the outbreak.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, potentially with bloody stools. Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. This outbreak follows a separate ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers, first reported in June.

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To date, no reports of illnesses involving Everyday Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts have been reported to the company.