Alfalfa Sprout Recall Spans 15 States as Dozens Fall Ill With E. Coli and Salmonella

A Rare Double Outbreak Tied to a Single Product

Health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain brands of alfalfa sprouts that have been linked to an unusual outbreak involving different disease-causing bacteria. A total of 55 people infected with multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and one strain of Salmonella have been reported from 15 states. Four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. What makes this outbreak stand out is not just its reach — it's the sheer complexity of the contamination involved.

Food poisoning outbreaks tend to be defined by one type of germ. In 2019, the CDC reported a multistate outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses linked to oysters that included E. coli, campylobacter, norovirus and other pathogens. "It's very unusual to have two bugs," said Bill Marler, a Seattle lawyer who has worked on food safety cases for decades. Forty-six people were infected with E. coli, seven people were infected with Salmonella, and two people were infected with both Salmonella and E. coli. That last detail — two people carrying both pathogens simultaneously — underscores just how heavily contaminated the product appears to have been.

What's Being Recalled and Who Made It

The FDA and CDC are investigating illnesses involving Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (multiple serotypes including O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8) and Salmonella Agona infections. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, MN have been identified as a source of illnesses in this outbreak. Everything Sprouts, LLC issued a voluntary recall of its 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts that were distributed since May 27 due to potential E. coli and salmonella contamination.

Affected products include alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at retailers and grocery stores. The recalled sprouts were also used in Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix 5oz cups and the Zesty Garlic Mix cups across several lot numbers. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 31, 2026, to August 8, 2026 — meaning people were getting sick for more than two months before a recall was announced. The true number of people sick is likely higher than the numbers reported.

Symptoms to Watch For and What to Do Now

Symptoms begin anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or up to nine days later, and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is a particularly dangerous strain that can cause severe symptoms including bloody diarrhea, kidney problems, and in 5–10% of cases, potentially leading to kidney failure. STEC organisms can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

If you have affected alfalfa sprouts in your home, throw them out or return them to where you purchased them. Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice customers who purchased or received Calco and Everything Sprouts-brand alfalfa sprouts, including wholesale products, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that they touched. If you've eaten these sprouts recently and are experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

The Investigation Continues — and So Does the Risk

On August 19, 2026, the FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts, LLC. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products or firms are linked to illnesses. Recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak. That lag time means the case count of 55 could climb considerably in the weeks ahead.

Sprouts have long been a food safety concern — their warm, moist growing conditions make them ideal environments for bacterial growth. This outbreak is a stark reminder that even seemingly healthy, minimally processed foods carry real risk. Of 34 patients who were interviewed by health officials, 26 said they had eaten alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill, linking 76 percent of those patients to the contaminated product. As federal investigators dig deeper into the source of contamination at the Minneapolis facility, consumers nationwide would be wise to check their refrigerators now — and hold off on sprouts until health officials give the all-clear.