Alfalfa sprout outbreak sickens 55 people across 15 states

A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella and E. coli infections linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 U.S. states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illnesses include 46 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and seven cases of Salmonella Agona. While no deaths have been reported, four individuals required hospitalization.

Traceback investigations have identified alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts LLC of Minneapolis as the common source. The products are distributed under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brand names. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began inspecting the facility on August 19 to determine the cause of the contamination.

Despite recommendations from the FDA to initiate a recall, Everything Sprouts LLC has not yet pulled the products from the market. Health officials are urging consumers, retailers, and food service operators to avoid eating, selling, or serving these sprouts. Consumers are advised to discard any existing sprouts and clean surfaces that may have come into contact with them using hot, soapy water.