An outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella linked to contaminated alfalfa sprouts has affected 55 people across 15 states, with 4 hospitalizations reported. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are investigating illnesses caused by alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota, from May 27 through August 21, 2026.

Which Sprout Products Are Being Recalled?

Everything Sprouts, LLC initiated a recall on August 22, 2026, for alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand names. The recalled products come in 5-ounce plastic containers with specific lot numbers that consumers need to identify and discard.

• Plain Alfalfa Sprouts: Lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230 sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands
• Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix: Everything Sprouts brand 5-ounce cups with lot numbers 222, 223, 226, and 230
• Zesty Garlic Mix: Everything Sprouts brand 5-ounce cups with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230

The recalled sprouts were distributed to wholesale distributors, grocery stores, and restaurants in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The FDA is currently investigating whether the contaminated products reached additional states beyond those confirmed.

What Pathogens Are Involved and How Serious Are They?

This outbreak involves multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including serotypes O26:H11, O103:H25, and O168:H8, as well as Salmonella Agona. Of the 55 confirmed cases, 46 people were infected with E. coli, 7 with Salmonella, and 2 with both pathogens.

STEC infections can cause severe complications. Symptoms typically begin within a few days to nine days after consuming contaminated food and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In serious cases, STEC can lead to bloody diarrhea and life-threatening kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), as well as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and neurologic problems.

Salmonella infections usually develop within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that typically last four to seven days. Children under five, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of severe infection.

How to Protect Yourself from Contaminated Sprouts

• Check Your Refrigerator: Look for Calco and Everything Sprouts brand alfalfa sprouts in your fridge and freezer, paying special attention to the lot numbers listed above. If you find any recalled products, throw them away immediately or return them to your place of purchase
• Clean Surfaces Thoroughly: If recalled sprouts touched any surfaces, containers, or utensils in your kitchen, carefully clean and sanitize them to prevent cross-contamination with other foods. Follow FDA safe handling guidelines for produce preparation
• Discard Frozen Products Without Labels: If you froze sprouts without the original packaging and cannot determine whether they are part of the recall, discard them to be safe
• Seek Medical Care if Symptomatic: If you consumed recalled sprouts and develop symptoms resembling STEC or Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment

What Do the Numbers Tell Us About This Outbreak?

The outbreak timeline spans from May 31 through August 8, 2026, with illnesses reported across Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. Among the 34 people interviewed by public health officials about their food consumption, 26 (76 percent) reported eating alfalfa sprouts in the week before becoming ill, establishing a strong link between the product and the outbreak.

The FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts, LLC on August 19, 2026, to determine the source of contamination and identify whether additional products or companies are involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and the FDA will continue updating its advisory as new information becomes available.

For consumers and retailers who purchased or received recalled products, the FDA emphasizes that these sprouts should not be eaten, sold, or served. Retailers who repackaged the recalled sprouts for individual sale should remove them from shelves immediately. Anyone with questions or concerns about the recall can report complaints or adverse events through the FDA's Industry and Consumer Assistance portal.