Full Breakdown
Multistate Alfalfa Sprout Outbreak Linked to Everything Sprouts
8/22/2026, 9:02:53 PM
Core Event
Federal health agencies have identified a multistate food-poisoning outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis-based grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. As of the August 21 safety alert, 55 people in 15 states have fallen ill, including four hospitalizations and no reported deaths.
Background & Context
Alfalfa sprouts are recognized as a high-risk food because they are grown in warm, moist water that can rapidly transmit bacterial contaminants. The outbreak involves multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing *Escherichia coli* (STEC) and a single strain of *Salmonella*—an unusual combination for a single product.
The company received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 28 2025 after inspectors documented serious violations at its Minneapolis facility, including roof leaks that allowed water to drip onto exposed sprouts and employee smocks.
Timeline
- March 28 2025 – FDA issues warning letter citing roof leaks and unsanitary conditions.
- May 31 – First illnesses reported; patients later confirmed to have consumed the implicated sprouts.
- July 8 – Additional cases identified in Minnesota.
- August 8 – Latest onset date among reported illnesses.
- August 20 – State health departments publicly announce the outbreak.
- August 21 – CDC and FDA release a joint safety alert, urging consumers to discard the affected products.
Data & Statistics
- 55 confirmed illnesses across 15 states.
- 46 cases of STEC infection, 7 cases of *Salmonella* infection, and 2 co-infections.
- 4 hospitalizations; 0 deaths.
- Among 34 interviewed patients, 26 (76 %) reported eating alfalfa sprouts.
- The majority of cases are concentrated in Minnesota and Wisconsin, accounting for 38 of the 55 illnesses.
Official Statements & Responses
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a food-safety alert advising the public not to eat, sell, or serve the affected alfalfa sprouts and to discard or return any remaining product. The agency also recommended thorough cleaning of any surfaces that may have contacted the sprouts.
The FDA announced that it is working with Everything Sprouts and has recommended that the company conduct a voluntary recall of the implicated batches.
Minnesota’s Department of Health confirmed that the illnesses are linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our investigator observed the roof leaking through the ceiling tiles.... water from the leak was observed dripping onto the totes of cooled, exposed mung bean sprouts....” — the agency
- “The illnesses have been linked to eating alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores,” — Minnesota's Department
What’s Next
The FDA’s ongoing investigation will determine whether additional sources of contaminated sprouts exist and whether a broader recall is required. State health departments continue to interview patients and trace distribution pathways to fully map the outbreak’s scope.
