Minnesota and Wisconsin link alfalfa sprouts to multi-bacterial food poisoning outbreak
Health officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin have identified alfalfa sprouts sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands as the source of 41 illnesses caused by several strains of E. coli and Salmonella.
Minnesota health officials warned consumers to avoid certain alfalfa sprouts after an outbreak sickened 23 people in the state with infections from multiple bacteria, including two strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella. Two patients were hospitalized. Wisconsin investigators reported an additional 18 cases linked to the same sprouts.
The sprouts, produced by Minnesota grower Everything Sprouts and marketed under the Calco and Everything Sprouts labels, were distributed to restaurants and grocery stores across both states. State investigators are cooperating with federal partners to determine the contamination source and extent.
"It's very unusual to have two bugs," said Seattle food-safety attorney Bill Marler, noting that alfalfa sprouts can easily harbor pathogens because the seeds are difficult to clean and are often grown in warm water.
STEC infections can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and, in rare cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome, while Salmonella can lead to diarrhea, fever, vomiting and dehydration.