What to Know About the Multi-State Alfalfa Sprout Recall

A Minnesota company has recalled 5-ounce containers of alfalfa sprouts after federal health officials linked the products to E. coli and salmonella illnesses across 15 states.

At least 55 people have become sick and four have been hospitalized. Investigators have identified 46 E. coli infections, seven salmonella infections and two people infected with both bacteria. Reported illnesses began between May 31 and August 8, and the actual number may be higher because many people recover without being tested.

The products were sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands and distributed to grocery stores and restaurants. Consumers should not eat the affected sprouts, even if the package looks or smells normal.

Which alfalfa sprouts are affected

The recall covers 5-ounce containers produced by Everything Sprouts and distributed since May 27. Anyone with Calco or Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts should check the packaging, stop using the product and throw it away.

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell the recalled sprouts. Surfaces or containers that touched the product should be washed and sanitized to reduce the chance of cross-contamination.

The company has said its daily product tests did not produce a positive result and that it is continuing to work with public-health officials. A negative sample does not necessarily rule out contamination across an entire production run, which is why epidemiological evidence and the broader investigation matter.

Why sprouts carry a particular food-safety risk

Sprouts are grown in warm, humid conditions — the same environment that helps bacteria multiply. If a seed is contaminated, the growing process can spread bacteria throughout a batch.

Unlike many vegetables, sprouts are often eaten raw or only lightly cooked. Rinsing can remove dirt but cannot reliably eliminate bacteria that have become established during germination.

Children, adults over 65, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system face a greater risk of severe illness. People in these groups are often advised to avoid raw sprouts entirely.

Symptoms of E. coli and salmonella

E. coli infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody and vomiting. Symptoms commonly begin a few days after exposure. A small proportion of patients can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that may lead to kidney failure.

Salmonella commonly causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover without specific treatment, but dehydration or more invasive infection can require medical care.

Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, include bloody diarrhea, persist without improvement or occur in someone at higher risk. Anyone who believes they ate the recalled sprouts should tell their healthcare provider about the possible exposure.

What consumers should do now

Do not taste the product to decide whether it is safe. Discard it in a sealed container so that children, pets or other people cannot retrieve it. If you no longer have the packaging but know the sprouts came from one of the affected brands, the safest choice is to throw them away.

Wash hands after handling the product. Clean refrigerator shelves, reusable bags, utensils and food-preparation surfaces that may have touched the sprouts.

Food recalls evolve as investigators identify distribution records and additional cases. Consumers should follow current notices from the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if they need product-code or state-specific details.

This article provides general food-safety information and does not replace medical advice.