Multistate E. coli and Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Recalled Alfalfa Sprouts
FDA Investigates Outbreak
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts. The recalled sprouts, grown by Everything Sprouts, were sold under the brand names Calco and Everything Sprouts.
Recalled Product Information
- Product: Alfalfa sprouts
- Brands: Calco and Everything Sprouts
- Grown by: Everything Sprouts
- Packaging: 5-ounce plastic containers
- Recall status: Active recall – consumers and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve these sprouts.
Known Risks of Raw Sprouts
Public health officials have long warned that raw sprouts are a higher-risk food. The warm, humid conditions used for sprouting are ideal for the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Unlike other fresh produce, sprouts are almost always consumed raw, making thorough cooking impossible and eliminating the only reliable kill step for pathogens. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting; in some patients, it leads to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure especially dangerous for young children and older adults. Salmonella infections also cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and can result in severe or even fatal outcomes in vulnerable groups.
What Consumers and Retailers Should Do
The FDA advises anyone who has purchased the recalled alfalfa sprouts to immediately discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or containers that may have come into contact with the product. Consumers who have eaten the sprouts and are experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
Retailers and restaurants should check their inventories and remove the recalled sprouts from sale and service immediately. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to monitor the outbreak and will update the investigation page as new information becomes available, including any expansion of the recall or identification of additional distribution areas.
