Alfalfa sprout recall hits 15 states after 55 fall ill, CDC says

Alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis grower in the North Star State of Minnesota, are linked to a food-poisoning outbreak that has sickened 55 people across 15 states, the CDC and FDA reported. The company voluntarily recalled 5-ounce containers distributed since May 27 under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands sold to restaurants and grocery stores.

Key Takeaways

• 55 confirmed infections across 15 states, with at least four hospitalizations as of Aug. 21, 2026.
• Everything Sprouts recalled alfalfa sprouts sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands since May 27.
• The outbreak involves both salmonella and multiple strains of E. coli—a rare dual-pathogen pattern.
• Minnesota and Wisconsin officials documented more than three dozen cases before the CDC expanded the count nationally.
• Consumers should discard affected sprouts and not eat products from the recalled brands.

Which states are affected by the alfalfa sprout outbreak?

According to the CDC, cases have been reported in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin. State officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin identified more than three dozen cases earlier in the week before federal agencies confirmed 55 illnesses nationwide.

The CDC cautions that the outbreak may extend beyond states with confirmed cases. Many people recover without seeking medical care and are never tested for E. coli or salmonella, so the true number of illnesses is likely higher than reported figures suggest.

What should consumers do with recalled alfalfa sprouts?

Minnesota's Department of Health recommends checking refrigerators and store shelves for alfalfa sprouts from Calco or Everything Sprouts brands. Do not eat them—throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.

The FDA initiated an inspection at Everything Sprouts on Aug. 19 and urged the company to conduct a recall. Everything Sprouts said it is coordinating with federal agencies and testing products daily, though it has not received positive lab results during the outbreak investigation.

Why are health officials concerned about multiple germs?

Most food-poisoning outbreaks involve a single pathogen. This outbreak is unusual because it includes salmonella and different strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Of those sickened, 46 were infected with E. coli, seven with salmonella, and two with both, according to federal officials.

STEC can cause stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea and may lead to acute kidney failure. Salmonella poisoning can trigger diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps. Illness onset dates ranged from May 31 to Aug. 8.

What triggered scrutiny of the Minnesota grower?

Of 34 sick people interviewed, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill, the FDA said. Products were sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts labels to restaurants and grocery stores across the country.

The FDA had warned Everything Sprouts last year about serious violations after inspectors found insanitary conditions, including roof leaks dripping water onto bean sprouts and employee smocks. For ongoing public health coverage, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub. Full outbreak details are available from the CDC.