MINNESOTA — Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli and salmonella linked to alfalfa sprouts from Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts, with 55 illnesses reported across 15 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are coordinating the response to the outbreak, which has resulted in four hospitalizations but no reported deaths.

Forty-six people were infected with E. coli and seven people were infected with salmonella. Two individuals were infected with both salmonella and E. coli. Four people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak. Illness onset dates ranged from May 31 to August 8.

In Minnesota, specific strain data reveals the scope of the local impact. Thirteen people in Minnesota had STEC O26:H11 E. coli. Seven people in Minnesota were sickened with STEC O103:H25 E. coli.

In Minnesota, three people had salmonella, and one of them also had STEC O168:H8 E. coli. Two people in Minnesota have been hospitalized. Twenty-three people in Minnesota became ill between July 8 and August 8. Wisconsin investigators have identified 18 cases of illness tied to alfalfa sprouts.

Of 34 sick people interviewed, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts. The CDC urged consumers to throw away or return the affected sprouts and to wash items and surfaces that may have touched them. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication involving acute kidney failure. Salmonella poisoning can cause diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.

Timeline

In 2025, the FDA warned Everything Sprouts of serious violations following an inspection. During that same period, FDA inspectors found roof leaks with water dripping onto produce and clean employee smocks at Everything Sprouts. Inspectors also found a build-up of black organic matter on a hose of the overhead irrigation system for produce at Everything Sprouts.

On August 19, 2026, the FDA initiated an inspection and sample collection at Everything Sprouts. On that same date, the FDA recommended that Everything Sprouts conduct a recall. On August 21, 2026, the FDA and CDC posted an official outbreak notice on their websites.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates that the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are warning residents not to eat the alfalfa sprouts made under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand. There have been 23 cases of salmonella or E. coli reported in Minnesota between July 8 and Aug. 8, the departments say.

Two of those cases resulted in hospitalization. Officials in Wisconsin are also investigating 18 cases.

The FDA recommended that Everything Sprouts conduct a recall.

Everything Sprouts has not issued a recall. The FDA warned Everything Sprouts last year of serious violations following an inspection.

How Sources Differ

Reports differ on the specifics of case counts and warnings. Regarding cases tied to alfalfa sprouts in Wisconsin, one source states there have been 23 cases of salmonella or E. coli reported in Minnesota between July 8 and Aug. 8, with two hospitalizations, and that officials in Wisconsin are also investigating 18 cases.

Another source provides case numbers, stating there have been 23 cases of salmonella or E. coli reported in Minnesota between July 8 and Aug. 8, with two hospitalizations, and that officials in Wisconsin are also investigating 18 cases. A third source identifies the illnesses as linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower.

Why It Matters

The outbreak involves ongoing food safety concerns related to sprout production, a sector previously flagged for violations by federal regulators. The presence of two distinct pathogens in the same product line occurs in conditions where warm, moist environments required for sprout growth can facilitate the spread of contaminants if seeds harbor bacteria. The lack of a voluntary recall by Everything Sprouts, despite an FDA recommendation, leaves consumers reliant on public health advisories to avoid potential exposure.

The scale of the outbreak spans 15 states and has resulted in hospitalizations. With symptoms ranging from severe gastrointestinal distress to potential kidney failure, the public health impact extends beyond immediate illness to long-term medical complications for some patients. The investigation remains active as officials work to determine the specific contamination source within the facility.