Alfalfa sprouts linked to E. coli and salmonella outbreak in 15 states

A multi-state food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including four hospitalizations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Source: Fox Business. The outbreak involves multiple pathogens: 46 people were infected with E. coli, seven with salmonella, and two with both Source: Fox Business. State officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin first reported the outbreak, documenting more than three dozen cases Source: AP News.

Source and scope

Officials have traced the illnesses to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores Source: AP News. The company has not yet issued a recall, according to the FDA Source: CNN. Of 34 sick people interviewed, 26 reported eating alfalfa sprouts Source: CNN. The majority of cases are in Minnesota (21) and Wisconsin (17), with additional cases in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington Source: Fox Business.

Unusual outbreak

Food poisoning outbreaks typically involve a single germ, but this one involves both E. coli and salmonella Source: AP News. "It's very unusual to have two bugs," said Bill Marler, a Seattle lawyer who has worked on food safety cases for decades Source: AP News. The FDA previously sent a warning letter to Everything Sprouts last year, citing concerns such as a leaking roof and workers' smocks Source: CNN.

What's next

Consumers are urged to throw away or return affected sprouts and wash surfaces that may have come into contact with them Source: Fox Business. The CDC advises seeking medical attention for symptoms like bloody diarrhea, fever above 102 degrees, or signs of dehydration Source: Fox Business. Investigations are ongoing with state and federal agencies Source: AP News.