Alfalfa Sprouts Health Recall
Everything Sprouts Issues Recall After E. Coli and Salmonella Outbreak Affects 15 States
An E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, prompting Everything Sprouts to issue a voluntary recall WMTV15. The outbreak, which spans from Florida to Wisconsin, has hospitalized 4 people but caused no deaths. Everything Sprouts recalled 5-ounce containers sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands in Minnesota and Wisconsin after federal regulators traced the contamination to the company's Minneapolis facility.
The company is cooperating with the FDA and CDC to investigate how the pathogens contaminated the sprouts WSAW. Regulators identified 46 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and 7 cases of Salmonella Agona, with illness onset dates ranging from May 31 to August 8, 2026. The Upper Midwest accounts for most cases, with Minnesota reporting 21 illnesses and Wisconsin 17.
How the Outbreak Spread Across 15 States
Everything Sprouts began distributing the contaminated alfalfa sprouts on May 27, 2026 WMTV15. Illnesses started appearing within days, with Minnesota residents getting sick between July 8 and August 8. The contamination likely originated from the seeds themselves, not the sprouting process, since the warm, humid growing conditions favor both seed germination and pathogen growth WSAW.
State health departments in Minnesota and Wisconsin identified the initial clusters. The FDA inspected Everything Sprouts' facility in Minneapolis on August 19 and began collecting samples WSAW. On August 21, the CDC and FDA jointly announced the outbreak and confirmed Everything Sprouts as the source WNDU.
Company Claims It Tested Daily With No Positive Results
Everything Sprouts stated it had conducted daily tests since the outbreak began and found no positive lab results WSAW. The company also said it had not received any illness reports directly from consumers. Everything Sprouts emphasized compliance with safety protocols and described the recall as a precautionary measure to protect public health WESTERNMASSNEWS.
Seeds Themselves Are the Weak Link in Food Safety
Sprouts are notoriously risky because seeds can harbor harmful bacteria before sprouting even begins WSAW. The FDA's Produce Safety Rule doesn't classify seeds as covered produce, so growers rely on voluntary guidelines from 1999. Those guidelines recommend chemical disinfection using high-concentration calcium hypochlorite and routine testing of irrigation water WSAW.
Despite these protocols, sprout outbreaks persist nationwide. Food safety attorney Bill Marler at Marler Clark is investigating where Everything Sprouts sourced its seeds. Marler criticized the recall's delayed announcement, noting the initial notice lacked clear lot numbers and failed to mention the Calco brand name WESTERNMASSNEWS.
What Consumers Should Do Right Now
Anyone who bought Calco or Everything Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts in 5-ounce containers should throw them away immediately WMTV15. Do not eat them, even if they look normal. Consumers who handled these products should sanitize all refrigerator surfaces and utensils to prevent cross-contamination WSAW.
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