Alfalfa Sprouts Linked To E. Coli And Salmonella Outbreak

Key TakeawaysAlfalfa sprouts sold under two brand names have sickened 55 people across 15 statesEverything Sprouts recalled 5-ounce containers sent to wholesale distributors and grocery storesThrow away or return affected sprouts, then wash any surfaces the product touched.MONDAY, Aug. 24, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Alfalfa sprouts sold in grocery stores have sickened 55 people in 15 states, federal health officials say.Two of those people were infected with both E. coli and Salmonella, an unusual combination in a single outbreak.Four people had been hospitalized and no deaths had been reported as of Aug. 21, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The sprouts were grown by Everything Sprouts, LLC, of Minneapolis, and sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brand names, the CDC said.The company has recalled certain lots because the sprouts may be contaminated with Salmonella or Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, a group of bacteria that can cause severe illness.The recalled sprouts were sold as: Everything Sprouts or Calco branded, 5-ounce plastic containers, lots 222, 223, 225, 226 and 230Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix, 5-ounce cups, lots 222, 223, 226 and 230 Zesty Garlic Mix cups, lots 222, 223, 225, 226 and 230The products were sold to wholesale distributors and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin between May 27 and Aug. 21, the company said."We continue to work closely with public health officials to investigate the source of this potential issue," Everything Sprouts said in its announcement.Anyone who has the recalled sprouts should throw them away or return them to the store, the CDC said. Surfaces, containers and utensils the sprouts may have touched should be washed with hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher.Stores and restaurants should stop selling or serving the sprouts and sanitize anything the product touched.Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli usually appear three to four days after a person ingests the bacteria and include severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea that is often bloody, the CDC said. Most people get better within five to seven days without treatment.A small number of people may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication that requires hospital care. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk.Salmonella symptoms typically start six hours to six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, according to the CDC. Most people recover in four to seven days.Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill and need medical care.Anyone with questions about cases in a particular state should call that state's health department, the CDC said.More informationVisit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information about this outbreak investigation.SOURCES: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Aug. 21, 2026; Everything Sprouts, LLC, company announcement, Aug. 22, 2026 .What This Means For YouIf you have alfalfa sprouts in your refrigerator, check the brand and lot number before eating them. If your sprouts are part of the recall, throw them out and clean the shelf where they were stored..Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

Alfalfa Sprouts Linked To E. Coli And Salmonella Outbreak

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