Minneapolis, Minnesota — Health officials are warning consumers across the United States about certain alfalfa sprouts linked to an unusual outbreak involving multiple strains of E. coli and Salmonella, with at least 55 people sickened across 15 states.
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say epidemiological and traceback evidence has linked illnesses to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, LLC, a Minnesota-based grower. The sprouts were sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands through restaurants and grocery stores.
Dozens Sickened Across Multiple States
The outbreak has affected people in 15 states, with illnesses reported between May 31 and Aug. 8, 2026.
According to the FDA, 46 people have been infected with E. coli, seven with Salmonella, and two with both pathogens. Four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Minnesota officials previously reported 23 illnesses in the state, including two hospitalizations, while Wisconsin health officials identified additional cases linked to the same sprouts. The number of illnesses could rise as investigators continue interviewing patients and tracing the products.
Multiple E. Coli Strains Identified
The outbreak has drawn particular attention because it involves multiple disease-causing bacteria and several strains of E. coli.
Minnesota officials identified infections involving STEC O168:H8, STEC O103:H25 and STEC O26:H11, along with Salmonella infections. Federal investigators have also identified Salmonella Agona among the outbreak strains.
Of the 34 people interviewed by investigators, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill, strengthening the evidence connecting the product to the outbreak.
Why Alfalfa Sprouts Can Carry Bacteria
Experts say sprouts can present particular food-safety challenges because the seeds can harbor bacteria, while the warm, moist conditions used to grow sprouts can allow pathogens to multiply.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, commonly called STEC, can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, sometimes including bloody diarrhea. Certain infections can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially serious complication that can cause acute kidney failure.
Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, and some people can develop more serious illness requiring medical care.
Consumers Told to Throw Away Affected Sprouts
The FDA is advising consumers, restaurants and retailers not to eat, sell or serve Calco and Everything Sprouts-brand alfalfa sprouts.
Anyone who has the products at home should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Consumers are also urged to carefully clean and sanitize refrigerators, containers, counters and other surfaces that may have come into contact with the sprouts to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
The warning also applies to products that may have been repackaged by retailers. Businesses that received the affected sprouts have been told not to sell or serve them.
Investigation and Recall Efforts Continue
The FDA began an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts on Aug. 19 as officials work to identify the source of contamination and determine whether additional products or companies could be involved.
Everything Sprouts has also announced a recall involving certain lots of its alfalfa sprouts. Federal officials continue to work with state and local health departments as they investigate the growing outbreak.
Consumers who ate the affected sprouts and develop symptoms associated with E. coli or Salmonella infection are being advised to contact a health care provider.
Have you recently purchased or eaten alfalfa sprouts? What do you think about the latest food safety warning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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