Alfalfa Sprouts Implicated in 15-State Food Poisoning Outbreak

Health officials in the United States have reported that a multi-pathogen food poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened individuals in at least 15 states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the outbreak following an increase in cases, with at least 55 confirmed instances nationwide and four people hospitalized.

Cases have been identified in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington, in addition to Minnesota and Wisconsin.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 26 out of 34 interviewed patients reported consuming alfalfa sprouts.

This outbreak is unusual as it involves multiple germs, including salmonella and various strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

STEC infections can cause stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and potentially lead to acute kidney failure.

Salmonella poisoning typically results in diarrhea, fever, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain.

The outbreak has been traced to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota-based company, sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.

In response, Everything Sprouts has voluntarily recalled certain lots of alfalfa sprouts.

The company stated it has conducted daily tests since the outbreak began and has not received any positive lab results.

Additionally, no illnesses directly linked to their Everyday Sprouts Alfalfa Sprouts have been reported to the company.

In June 2025, the FDA sent a warning letter to Everything Sprouts, highlighting concerns from prior inspections, including a leaking roof and issues with worker hygiene.

Source link