41 Sick in E. coli and Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Minnesota Sprouts

Health officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin have linked 41 illnesses to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota company, and sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands. Minnesota reported 23 cases between July 8 and August 8, with two hospitalizations. Wisconsin confirmed 17 cases with one hospitalization. Officials warn the outbreak will likely grow as investigations continue.

What happened and where

The Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed on August 20 that alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts caused infections in both states. The sprouts were distributed to restaurants and grocery stores under two brand names. Minnesota cases occurred between July 8 and August 8, while Wisconsin cases are still being tracked. Other states have also reported illnesses tied to the same product.

The pathogens and symptoms

The outbreak involves both Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella, an unusual combination that typically points to contaminated seed rather than facility problems. STEC causes stomach cramps, diarrhea often with bloody stools, and low-grade or no fever. Symptoms appear two to five days after exposure. Salmonella causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever within 12 to 96 hours. Most people recover in five to seven days, but STEC can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication involving acute kidney failure.

What consumers should do now

Health officials advise consumers to check refrigerators for alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco or Everything Sprouts brands and throw them away. Washing will not eliminate contamination. Anyone who ate these sprouts should watch for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if they become severe. The CDC, FDA, and state health departments are investigating the source and scope of contamination.

Why seed contamination matters

The presence of multiple pathogens in one outbreak suggests the problem originated in the seed supply, not the sprouting facility. A contaminated seed lot can be distributed to multiple growers in multiple states, potentially expanding the outbreak beyond Everything Sprouts. Investigators have not yet disclosed where Everything Sprouts obtained its seed or whether other sprouters purchased from the same lot, leaving open the possibility of additional cases.

Final Thoughts

With 41 confirmed illnesses and investigations ongoing, consumers should discard alfalfa sprouts from these brands immediately. The outbreak underscores the persistent food safety risks in sprout production, a problem the FDA has flagged since 1999.

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