Minneapolis – Everything Sprouts LLC has recalled several alfalfa sprout items after federal and state investigators linked them to a multi-state outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella. The products reached wholesale distributors and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin between May 27 and August 21. Fifty-five illness reports have been recorded so far across fifteen states.
Products and Lot Numbers Under Recall
The recall covers Everything Sprouts and Calco branded alfalfa sprouts sold in 5-ounce plastic containers. Affected barcodes include 860014523113, 860014523120, and 850079470149. Specific items include Alfalfa 6/5oz and Alfalfa 12/6/5oz packages carrying lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230. The same alfalfa sprouts appear in Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix 5oz cups with lots 222, 223, 226, and 230, as well as Zesty Garlic Mix cups with lots 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230.
Geographic Reach and Reported Cases
Illnesses 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. Investigators continue to monitor additional reports as the traceback proceeds. The company distributed the items through established wholesale channels, which means some product may have reached consumers beyond the two primary states. Public health partners are urging anyone who purchased alfalfa sprouts in recent months to verify lot codes before use.
Steps for Consumers and Retailers
Consumers who find matching products should discard them immediately and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the sprouts. Retailers and distributors must stop sales, remove inventory, and follow local disposal rules while also cleaning affected areas. Food contaminated with these pathogens often shows no change in appearance, smell, or taste, which increases the importance of checking lot information rather than relying on visual inspection.
Recognizing Symptoms of Infection
E. coli infections typically produce severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may turn bloody, sometimes accompanied by fever. Most people recover within five to seven days, though a small percentage develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication that requires immediate hospital care. Salmonella symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours and include diarrhea, cramps, and fever. Healthy adults often recover in four to seven days, but infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of hospitalization. Anyone who ate the recalled sprouts and develops these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider and mention possible exposure to the bacteria. Special laboratory tests are needed for accurate diagnosis.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.