FDA Links Recalled Alfalfa Sprouts to 15-State Outbreak
Everything Sprouts, LLC announced a recall on August 22 after federal health officials linked specified alfalfa sprout products to a multistate outbreak involving Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella Agona. FDA posted the company’s recall announcement as a public service; the action was not described as a government-ordered seizure or a final enforcement finding.
The outbreak involves 55 illnesses reported in 15 states: 46 E. coli infections, seven Salmonella infections and two co-infections involving both pathogens. Four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Illnesses began between May 31 and August 8, 2026. Federal officials say the case count, product information and distribution picture may change as the investigation continues.
Which products are recalled
The recall covers specified 5-ounce packages of Calco and Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226 and 230.
The same sprouts were used in Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix 5-ounce cups with lots 222, 223, 226 and 230. They were also used in Zesty Garlic Mix cups with lots 222, 223, 225, 226 and 230.
The FDA recall record lists the relevant UPC codes, package descriptions and label information. Consumers should compare those details directly with products in refrigerators or freezers rather than relying only on the brand name.
Everything Sprouts distributed the recalled products from May 27 through August 21, 2026, to wholesale distributors, grocery stores and restaurants in Minnesota and Wisconsin. FDA is checking whether the products were distributed to additional states. The presence of illnesses in 15 states does not mean the recalled sprouts were sold in all 15 states.
What consumers and businesses should do
Do not eat, sell or serve any recalled product. Consumers should throw away or return affected packages. If a product was frozen without its original packaging and its lot cannot be confirmed, FDA says to discard it.
Clean and sanitize containers, countertops, utensils, refrigerators, storage areas and other surfaces that may have touched the sprouts. Restaurants, retailers and other food-service businesses should remove recalled products from sale and service areas and sanitize equipment used to handle them.
People who ate recalled sprouts should contact a health care provider if they develop symptoms that may indicate an infection. The CDC advises prompt medical attention for bloody diarrhea, diarrhea with a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement, vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth or dizziness when standing.
STEC infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, nausea or vomiting. Some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication. Salmonella commonly causes diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps; young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.
What remains under investigation
FDA and CDC investigators used epidemiologic and traceback information to identify alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts as a source of illnesses involving multiple STEC strains and Salmonella Agona. FDA began an inspection and sample collection at the Minneapolis company on August 19, 2026.
The agencies have not announced a final contamination mechanism or root cause, and they have not said that every illness was caused by a single recalled lot. The investigation is also examining whether additional products or firms are linked to illnesses.
Consumers and businesses should monitor FDA and CDC updates for possible changes to the case count, distribution states or recalled-product list.
Sources
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