Certain alfalfa sprouts have been recalled due to an outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella infections linked to 55 reported illnesses across 15 states. Everything Sprouts LLC announced the recall on August 22, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently posted a recall notice to alert the public.
Reported Illnesses
Illnesses began between May 31 and August 8, with four people hospitalized and no deaths reported as of August 21, according to the FDA. The investigation is ongoing.
“The recall involves products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella,” states the FDA notice.
It covers specified lots of alfalfa sprouts under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands, as well as certain Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix and Zesty Garlic Mix cups.
Affected Products and Distribution
Consumers are urged not to eat the affected products and should discard them. Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers the products may have touched.
Affected products include:
- Five-ounce containers of Everything Sprouts and Calco branded alfalfa sprouts with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226 or 230 and bar codes 860014523113, 860014523120 or 850079470149.
- Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix (5-ounce cups), lot numbers 222, 223, 226 and 230.
- Everything Sprouts Zesty Garlic Mix (5-ounce cups), lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230.
The company distributed the products between May 27 and August 21 to wholesalers and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The following 15 states have reported illnesses associated with the outbreak linked to recalled alfalfa sprouts:
- Florida
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Evidence Linking the Outbreak to the Sprouts
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 46 people are infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), seven with Salmonella, and two with both pathogens.
Out of 34 patients interviewed, 76 percent reported consuming alfalfa sprouts before falling ill. Epidemiological evidence indicates that alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts may be contaminated and a source of illness. Traceback information from restaurants and grocery stores also links sprouts from the company to the outbreak.
The FDA continues to investigate the source of contamination and whether additional products or firms are linked to the illnesses.
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA and CDC advise disposing of recalled products immediately. Consumers, retailers, and food-service operators should clean and sanitize containers, refrigerators, utensils, and surfaces that may have contacted the sprouts to prevent cross-contamination.
People who develop symptoms after consuming the products should consult a health care provider.
Common Symptoms Associated with STEC and Salmonella Infections:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
Health officials emphasize that bloody diarrhea is a crucial warning sign needing prompt medical advice.
If you need more information on this story, contact Newsweek editors Daniel Orton and Robert Greenall.