Health
Alfalfa sprouts linked to multi-pathogen outbreak across 15 states, CDC says
Federal health officials have identified 55 illnesses tied to salmonella and E. coli from products grown by a Minnesota producer.
The short version
- U.S. health agencies have reported 55 illnesses and four hospitalizations across 15 states tied to contaminated alfalfa sprouts.
- The outbreak is unusually linked to multiple pathogens, including salmonella and several strains of E. coli.
- Health authorities identified products from Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts, sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts labels, as the source.
- The FDA stated that the producer has not yet initiated a product recall.
Key facts
- The CDC reported 55 confirmed food-poisoning cases and four hospitalizations spanning 15 U.S. states.[Associated Press]
- The outbreak involves infections from both salmonella and multiple strains of E. coli, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.[Associated Press]
- According to the FDA, 26 out of 34 interviewed patients confirmed consuming alfalfa sprouts before falling ill.[Associated Press]
- Investigators linked the illnesses to alfalfa sprouts produced by Minnesota grower Everything Sprouts, marketed under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.[Associated Press]
- The FDA previously issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts after facility inspections revealed safety concerns, including a leaking roof dripping onto sprouts and smocks.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether Everything Sprouts will initiate a voluntary recall or face formal regulatory enforcement actions.[Associated Press]