FDA links alfalfa sprout outbreak to Minnesota grower, recalls product
Federal officials say an E. coli and salmonella outbreak affecting 55 people in 15 states is tied to alfalfa sprouts from a Minnesota producer, which has begun a voluntary recall.
Federal health agencies have identified alfalfa sprouts distributed by a Minneapolis company as the source of a multi-state outbreak of E. coli and salmonella. The Food and Drug Administration said the sprouts, sold under the Everything Sprouts and Calco brands, were shipped to restaurants and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin beginning May 27. The company announced a voluntary recall of certain 5-ounce plastic-container lots that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing bacteria.
"We have conducted daily tests since the outbreak began and have not received any positive lab results," the company said in a statement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 55 illnesses, including 46 E. coli cases, seven salmonella cases and two co-infections, with four hospitalizations. Cases were reported from May 31 through Aug. 8, primarily in Minnesota (23 cases) and Wisconsin (17 cases). Health departments in 13 other states have also reported infections linked to the sprouts.
The CDC notes that Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, while salmonella typically leads to diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.