Alfalfa sprouts are linked to illnesses reported across 15 states.
Contaminated alfalfa sprouts have caused an outbreak of food poisoning symptoms, sickening at least 55 people across 15 states, according to U.S. health officials. Four people have been hospitalized, while state health departments continue to track reports connected to the outbreak. The cases involve more than one type of germ, making the outbreak different from many of the other food contamination issues that have happened over the past several months. Health officials have found both salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in the sprouts.
Minnesota and Wisconsin have had the most illnesses, reporting more than three dozen cases between them. Other states with reported infections include Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said 26 of 34 people interviewed reported eating alfalfa sprouts before becoming sick, leading officials to focus on sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota company.
The sprouts were sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts names and were distributed to restaurants and grocery stores. The FDA has said the company has not issued a recall at this point. Officials have not said that every case has been proven to come from the same product, but there are enough cases tied to this specific food to raise concern. The outbreak is also more unique than most because salmonella and STEC can cause different forms of illness. Salmonella commonly causes diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach pain and dehydration. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, especially when vomiting or diarrhea causes a person to lose too much fluid. STEC can cause strong stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. In some cases, an infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face a greater risk of serious illness from some foodborne infections.
The FDA had already warned about potentially unsafe conditions at Everything Sprouts. In a warning letter sent last year, the agency said an inspection conducted in 2024 found several problems. Among the concerns was a leaking roof that allowed water to fall onto bean sprouts and workers’ smocks. The findings from that inspection do not by themselves prove with absolute certainty that the current illnesses were caused by those conditions. Still, the earlier inspection has added attention to the Minnesota grower as federal and state officials investigate the outbreak.
Adding to the probability of developing an illness after eating alfalfa sprouts, these items are often eaten raw or only lightly cooked, which can allow harmful germs to remain on the food. Restaurants and grocery stores that received affected products may need to follow guidance from health officials if specific products or batches are identified. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA are continuing to gather information about the cases. Health officials are also working to determine whether additional illnesses are connected to the outbreak. Until more information becomes available, the investigation remains ongoing.
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Food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts: Health officials
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