U.S. health officials announced on Friday that they are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli and salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 55 illnesses across 15 states, resulting in four hospitalizations and zero deaths as of August 21.
Traceback data identified alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts of Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the likely source of the contamination. The FDA stated it is working with the company and has recommended a voluntary recall of the products. The CDC reported that of the 55 cases, 46 individuals were infected with E. coli, seven with salmonella, and two with both pathogens.
The reported illnesses began between May 31 and August 8. According to the CDC and FDA, investigators interviewed 34 of the affected individuals, 26 of whom reported eating alfalfa sprouts prior to becoming ill. Both E. coli and salmonella are bacteria that cause food poisoning, typically resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
A person affected by this outbreak would notice sudden onset vomiting and diarrhea, potentially requiring a hospital visit if symptoms become severe. While zero deaths have been reported, the financial and physical toll on the four hospitalized individuals is ongoing. The FDA's recommendation for a recall means consumers may soon see these products removed from grocery store shelves and restaurant menus, though the specific timeline for the company to complete the recall was not reported.
The discovery of these infections follows other ongoing foodborne illness investigations, including a cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce and a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapenos. These concurrent events have influenced broader consumer behavior, with many individuals opting to avoid fresh produce or dining out entirely. The next steps in this investigation include the potential formal recall by Everything Sprouts and ongoing monitoring by the CDC to determine if the case count rises beyond the current 15 states.