Alfalfa Sprout Recall Due to E. coli and Salmonella Outbreak

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Certain alfalfa sprouts have been recalled following an outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella infections linked to 55 reported illnesses across 15 states. Everything Sprouts LLC issued the recall on August 22, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the recall notice to inform the public. Illnesses were reported to have begun between May 31 and August 8, with four hospitalizations and no deaths reported by August 21, per the FDA. The investigation is still ongoing.

The recall affects products potentially contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella. It includes specific lots of alfalfa sprouts sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands, along with certain Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix and Zesty Garlic Mix cups. Consumers are advised to discard the affected products and to “carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that the product may have touched.” Newsweek has reached out to Everything Sprouts for comment.

Affected Products and Distribution

The recall notice lists the affected products as follows:

Five-ounce containers of Everything Sprouts and Calco branded alfalfa sprouts with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, or 230 and bar codes 860014523113, 860014523120, or 850079470149.
Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix (5-ounce cups), with lot numbers 222, 223, 226, and 230.
Everything Sprouts Zesty Garlic Mix (5-ounce cups), with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230.

These products were distributed between May 27 and August 21 to wholesalers and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. According to the FDA, illnesses connected to the recalled sprouts have been reported in 15 states, including:

Florida
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
New Hampshire
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Washington
Wisconsin

Evidence Linking the Outbreak to the Sprouts

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 46 individuals have been infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), seven with Salmonella, and two with both pathogens. Interviews with 34 patients revealed that 76 percent had consumed alfalfa sprouts in the weeks prior to illness.

Epidemiological evidence confirms that alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts likely contain contaminants and are linked to sickness. Traceback data from restaurants and grocery stores identified sprouts from Everything Sprouts as a source of illness. The FDA continues its investigation to pinpoint the contamination source and to assess whether other items or companies may also be involved.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA and CDC advise against eating the recalled products, recommending immediate disposal. Consumers, retailers, and food-service operators should clean and sanitize containers, refrigerators, utensils, and other surfaces potentially exposed to the sprouts to prevent cross-contamination.

Those experiencing symptoms after consuming the affected products should reach out to a healthcare provider. Typical symptoms of STEC and Salmonella infections include: