Recalled Alfalfa Sprouts Linked to 55 Illnesses Across 15 States
At least 55 people across 15 states have fallen ill in a multistate outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts, U.S. health officials confirmed this week. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports 46 infections from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, seven from Salmonella, and two patients infected with both bacteria. Four people have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.
What Sprouts Are Affected in the Recall?
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the source of the illnesses. The sprouts were sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, and other food-service businesses.
Officials urge consumers not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled sprouts. Anyone with the products at home should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. The FDA also advises thorough cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces and containers that came into contact with the sprouts to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Which States Are Affected?
A CDC map shows cases reported in: Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Illnesses began between May 31 and August 8.
Of 34 people interviewed by state and local health officials, 26 (76 percent) reported eating alfalfa sprouts in the week before falling sick.
What Did the FDA Find at the Facility?
The FDA began an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts on August 19. The agency had previously flagged serious violations at the facility following an inspection last year, according to ABC News. Inspectors reported roof leaks that allowed water to drip onto produce and clean employee smocks, plus a buildup of black organic matter on a hose used in the overhead irrigation system.
The FDA has not stated that those earlier findings caused the current outbreak. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products or firms are linked.
What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli and Salmonella?
Symptoms of E. coli infection
Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can begin within a few days of eating contaminated food, though they may take up to nine days to appear. Common signs include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Some infections cause severe bloody diarrhea and, in serious cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection
Salmonella symptoms typically develop within 12 to 72 hours of exposure and last four to seven days. They include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face greater risk of serious complications.
Why Do Sprouts Carry Bacteria?
Sprouts are prone to bacterial contamination because the warm, moist conditions needed for sprouting also allow pathogens to thrive if present. The FDA reports sprouts have been linked to 52 foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S. between 1996 and 2020.
The outbreak notice will be updated as more information becomes available. Consumers with questions can contact the FDA or their state health department.