Salmonella and E. coli Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts
Affected Product
Alfalfa Sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at retailers and grocery stores.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (multiple serotypes include: O26:H11, O103:H25, O168:H8) and Salmonella Agona infections. Epidemiologic and traceback data show that alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC of Minneapolis, MN may be contaminated with multiple pathogens and have been identified as a source of illnesses in this outbreak.
Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC and state partners, a total of 55 people infected with multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and one strain of Salmonella have been reported from 15 states. Some people were infected with more than one outbreak strain. Forty-six people were infected with E. coli , 7 people were infected with Salmonella, and 2 people were infected with both Salmonella and E. coli.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 31, 2026, to August 8, 2026. State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 34 people interviewed, 26 (76%) reported eating alfalfa sprouts. There have been 4 hospitalizations, and no deaths have been reported.
View the FDA Outbreak Investigation for ongoing details.
FOOD LINKED TO ILLNESS
Alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at retailers and grocery stores.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Do not eat affected Calco and Everything Sprouts-brand alfalfa sprouts (including wholesale products). Throw them away or return them.
- Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the affected alfalfa sprouts using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 2 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so much that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
WHAT BUSINESSES SHOULD DO
- Do not sell or serve affected alfalfa sprouts.
- Wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with affected alfalfa sprouts.
SYMPTOMS OF E. COLI
- Most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
- Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and may need to be hospitalized.
SYMPTOMS OF SALMONELLA
- Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Some people—especially children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.
View the CDC Food Safety Alert for additional guidance.
