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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
A rare dual-pathogen food poisoning outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states. Both Salmonella and E. coli strains have been identified, with cases concentrated in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The FDA has linked the outbreak to Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower — the same company that received a warning letter last year over sanitation concerns — but no recall has been issued yet.
A multistate food poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, with the CDC confirming four hospitalizations. What makes this outbreak unusual is that it involves two pathogens simultaneously — Salmonella and multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) — a combination that's rare in foodborne illness investigations.
The FDA has traced the contaminated sprouts to Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota-based grower selling under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores. Despite the active outbreak, the company has not yet issued a recall. Notably, the FDA sent Everything Sprouts a warning letter last year flagging serious sanitation issues found during prior inspections, including a leaking roof dripping water onto produce and workers' smocks.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: With no recall issued and the outbreak still active, clinicians should be alert to patients presenting with bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, or fever — especially those who've recently eaten sprouts — as STEC infections can escalate to acute kidney failure.
