Updated: August 23, 2026
A multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 U.S. states, and the producer has now recalled specific products after federal investigators connected the illnesses to sprouts grown by Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts LLC.
Four people have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. The latest major development came on August 22, when the FDA published a recall announcement covering certain Everything Sprouts and Calco-brand alfalfa sprouts, as well as two sprout mixes.
Latest update: Everything Sprouts issues recall
Everything Sprouts LLC is recalling certain lots of alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with STEC or Salmonella. The affected products were distributed from May 27 through August 21, 2026 to wholesale distributors and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The recall covers 5-ounce Everything Sprouts and Calco-brand alfalfa sprouts associated with barcodes 860014523113, 860014523120 and 850079470149.
Affected alfalfa sprout packages carry lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226 or 230.
The recall also includes Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix 5-ounce cups with lot numbers 222, 223, 226 and 230, and Zesty Garlic Mix cups with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226 and 230.
55 illnesses reported across 15 states
Federal investigators have identified 46 patients infected with STEC, seven infected with Salmonella and two infected with both pathogens. Illnesses began between May 31 and August 8.
Cases 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.
Among 34 patients interviewed about what they ate before becoming ill, 26 — about 76% — reported eating alfalfa sprouts. Traceback evidence from restaurants and grocery stores pointed investigators toward sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts.
What consumers should check
Consumers should check refrigerators for recalled Everything Sprouts and Calco products, paying particular attention to the product type, barcode and lot number.
Anyone who has a recalled product should not eat it. The sprouts should be thrown away, and containers, refrigerator shelves and other surfaces that may have touched them should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Retailers and distributors have also been instructed to stop selling or distributing affected products remaining in inventory.
Current federal recall information and product photos can be checked through the FDA’s Everything Sprouts recall notice.
Multiple bacteria are involved
The investigation involves three STEC serotypes — O26:H11, O103:H25 and O168:H8 — as well as Salmonella Agona. Two patients have been infected with both E. coli and Salmonella, making this an unusual outbreak involving multiple pathogens.
The FDA began inspecting and collecting samples at the Everything Sprouts facility on August 19 as investigators worked to determine how contamination occurred.
Everything Sprouts had also received an FDA warning letter in March 2025 following an earlier inspection. That regulatory history does not by itself establish the cause of the current outbreak.
Why raw sprouts can carry food-safety risks
Sprouts are grown in warm and humid conditions that can also allow harmful bacteria to multiply if seeds or growing environments become contaminated. Washing sprouts does not necessarily eliminate bacteria that may already be present.
A separate GreenWise blueberry recall involving an E. coli warning also highlighted why consumers should regularly check produce stored at home, although it is unrelated to this outbreak.
Symptoms consumers should watch for
STEC infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may become bloody and vomiting. Some patients can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially serious complication that can damage the kidneys.
Salmonella commonly causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Children younger than five, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of severe illness.
A separate California egg recall linked to Salmonella illnesses involved the same broad type of foodborne pathogen but is not connected to the Everything Sprouts investigation.
When to contact a healthcare provider
People who ate the affected sprouts should seek medical advice if they develop bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement, fever above 102°F, vomiting that prevents them from keeping liquids down or signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, dry mouth or dizziness when standing.
The federal investigation remains open. Consumers should continue checking FDA and CDC updates because the illness count, product information or investigation findings could change.
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