Outbreak of Food Poisoning Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts in the U.S.

The United States health authorities have identified an outbreak of food poisoning affecting multiple states, linked to alfalfa sprouts contaminated with various pathogens. Recently, state officials announced the outbreak, highlighting over three dozen cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 55 cases nationwide, with four hospitalizations.

In addition to Minnesota and Wisconsin, cases have been documented in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mentioned that out of 34 interviewed individuals who fell ill, 26 had consumed alfalfa sprouts.

Food poisoning outbreaks typically involve one type of bacteria, but this one has people sick with both Salmonella and different strains of E. coli. The shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, can cause stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea, with a potential complication of acute kidney failure. Salmonella poisoning might result in diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal cramps.

The outbreak traces back to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota producer. These sprouts were sold under the brands Calco and Everything Sprouts to restaurants and grocery stores. Despite the FDA’s findings, the company has not issued a recall.

Last year, the FDA issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts after inspections revealed issues like a leaking roof dripping water onto sprouting beans and staff clothing. Messages left for comment with Everything Sprouts by The Associated Press remain unanswered.

Health advisory support for this report comes from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. All content responsibility rests with The Associated Press.