Recall Issued After 55 Illnesses Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts

A Minneapolis-based sprouts grower, Everything Sprouts, LLC, has issued a voluntary recall of its alfalfa sprout products after federal health officials linked them to an outbreak of E. coli and salmonella infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at least 55 people across 15 states have been sickened, with four people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The recall, announced in a company notice and posted on the FDA's website, covers 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands, as well as certain Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix and Zesty Garlic Mix cups. The products were distributed to grocery stores and wholesale distributors in Minnesota and Wisconsin between May 27 and August 21, 2026.

The affected products include:

  • Everything Sprouts branded Alfalfa Sprouts in 5-ounce plastic containers with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, or 230 and bar codes 860014523113, 860014523120, or 850079470149.
  • Calco branded Alfalfa Sprouts in 5-ounce plastic containers with the same lot numbers and bar codes.
  • Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix cups (lot numbers 222, 223, 226, and 230).
  • Everything Sprouts Zesty Garlic Mix cups (lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230).

Consumers are urged to check their refrigerators for these products and throw them away, as they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella. The bacteria can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Outbreak Details and Investigation

According to the CDC and FDA, of the 55 reported illnesses, 46 were infected with E. coli, seven with salmonella, and two with both pathogens. The outbreak involves Salmonella Agona and three strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, an unusual combination for a single foodborne illness outbreak.

The FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts on August 19, 2026, and recommended the company conduct a recall. The Minnesota Department of Health said in a statement that illnesses have been linked to eating alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, which are sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores. Health officials recommend people check for these sprouts, not eat them, and throw them away.

The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the outbreak, and the specific source and point of contamination have not yet been determined. According to epidemiological data reported by Newsweek, among 34 patients interviewed, 76 percent said they had eaten alfalfa sprouts in the weeks before becoming ill.

Company Response and Previous FDA Warning

In its recall notice, Everything Sprouts said it is coordinating with the FDA and CDC. "Everything Sprouts became aware of reports of illnesses from federal and state agencies," the company stated. "During this outbreak we have tested our products daily and have not received any positive lab results. We continue to work closely with public health officials to investigate the source of this potential issue and will provide updates as they become available."

ABC News noted that the FDA had warned Everything Sprouts last year about "serious violations" after an inspection found insanitary conditions, including roof leaks with water dripping onto produce and "build-up of black organic matter" on a hose. Those findings are part of the FDA's broader scrutiny of the facility.

Why Sprouts Pose a Risk

Food safety lawyer Bill Marler, quoted in multiple reports, explained that sprouts are raw agricultural products grown in warm, wet conditions, making them particularly conducive to bacterial growth. The FDA advises consumers not to eat sprouts, as they are one of the few foods the agency specifically cautions against due to the high risk of contamination.

Symptoms and Consumer Guidance

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear two to eight days after exposure and may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Salmonella symptoms usually develop six hours to six days after ingestion and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most people recover within a week, but some cases can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should not eat them, but rather throw them away and carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the sprouts. Anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming these products should contact a healthcare provider.

The true number of illnesses may be higher than the reported 55, as some cases may not yet have been diagnosed or reported.