Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens

An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella affecting over 55 individuals across 15 U.S. states has been traced back to an alfalfa sprout producer in Minnesota, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA revealed that the contamination stemmed from sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis-based company, and sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands.

These sprouts were sold to both restaurants and grocery stores. In response, Everything Sprouts announced a voluntary recall of certain lots of its alfalfa sprouts, which were distributed starting May 27 to third-party distributors and retail stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The recalled sprouts came in 5-ounce plastic containers with lids.

The FDA stated that no positive lab results had been received since the outbreak's onset, and as of now, no reports of illnesses linked to Everyday Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts have been received by the company. Nonetheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed at least 55 cases of E. coli and salmonella in the outbreak, with four patients hospitalized.

Of the 55 confirmed cases nationwide, 46 were infected with E. coli, seven with salmonella, and two with both. The illnesses were reported between May 31 and August 8. Minnesota and Wisconsin have reported the most cases so far, with at least 23 and 17 cases respectively, both resulting in at least one hospitalization each. Other affected states include Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Washington.

Symptoms of E. coli caused by the Shiga toxin include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. This incident follows a separate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, which has affected over 400 people across 32 states, according to the CDC.