A food safety alert has been issued following an outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella cases linked to alfalfa sprouts, which have sickened 55 individuals across 15 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Four hospitalizations have been reported, with no fatalities recorded to date.
The affected sprouts were produced by Everything Sprouts and distributed under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. Consumers are advised to discard or return any products associated with this recall and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with the sprouts.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and nausea, while Salmonella typically presents as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The CDC recommends seeking medical attention immediately for high fever (over 102°F), bloody diarrhea, or prolonged illness.
The outbreak, which began in late May and continued through August 8, involves multiple strains of E. coli and one strain of Salmonella. Health authorities in Michigan, Wisconsin, and other states are coordinating the response, with 21 cases reported in Michigan and 17 in Wisconsin.
Additional reporting of this outbreak will be monitored as public health agencies investigate the source and spread of contamination.
