Health authorities in the United States have reported a food poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts across 15 states. Multiple pathogens have been identified as the cause of illnesses.
State officials announced the outbreak earlier in the week, documenting over three dozen cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 55 cases nationally as of Friday. Four individuals have been hospitalized.
Cases have also been reported in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. Of the 34 individuals interviewed, 26 confirmed consuming alfalfa sprouts, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Food poisoning outbreaks typically involve a single germ; however, this outbreak has affected people with both Salmonella and various strains of E. coli.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can lead to severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. Infections can result in serious complications, including acute kidney failure.
Salmonella poisoning can cause diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.
Authorities have linked the cases to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower. These sprouts, sold under the brands Calco and Everything Sprouts, were distributed to restaurants and grocery stores. The company has not issued a recall, according to the FDA.
Last year, the FDA sent a warning letter to Everything Sprouts, citing several concerns found during inspections. Issues included a leaking roof dripping water on bean sprouts and the workers’ attire.
Attempts were made by The Associated Press to contact Everything Sprouts for comments.
The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. AP remains solely responsible for all content.
This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the assistance of a generative AI tool.