In recent news, health officials in the United States report a food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts affecting individuals across 15 states. The announcement followed earlier reports from Minnesota and Wisconsin officials, who confirmed over 36 cases in their states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later acknowledged 55 cases nationwide, which included four hospitalizations.
Besides Minnesota and Wisconsin, states reporting cases are Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that of the 34 people interviewed, 26 had consumed alfalfa sprouts.
This outbreak is unusual as it involves multiple germs. Both salmonella and strains of E. coli are of concern. The Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can lead to symptoms like stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea, which could escalate to severe complications like acute kidney failure. Similarly, salmonella poisoning can result in diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.
Authorities have traced the outbreak back to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota-based producer. These sprouts are sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to various restaurants and grocery stores. As of now, the company has not issued a recall, according to the FDA.
Last year, the FDA issued a warning to Everything Sprouts following inspections that highlighted several concerns. These included a leaking roof dripping water onto bean sprouts and inadequate worker hygiene practices.
The Associated Press has reached out to Everything Sprouts for comments, but a response is pending.
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