Sprout outbreak sickens 76 people across 16 states

An outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella linked to contaminated sprouts has sickened 76 people across 16 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As of October 1, six individuals have been hospitalized. The illnesses, which began between May 31 and September 7, involve various strains, including the E. coli strain O26:H11 and Salmonella Agona. Three patients were reported to have been infected with both pathogens.

The investigation focuses on alfalfa and radish sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts LLC, as well as Berlin Seeds-branded alfalfa sprouting seeds. Specifically, seed lot SAL2-24JB is implicated, posing a risk to both commercial food service and home growers who use seeds in jars or trays. Everything Sprouts LLC previously issued a voluntary recall for its Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, including various sprout mixes. Berlin Seeds also recalled 950 pounds of alfalfa sprouting seeds from the suspected lot.

Cases have been reported in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Minnesota has reported the highest number of illnesses. Health officials advise consumers to discard any recalled products and thoroughly clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the seeds or sprouts.