The U.S. health authorities report a troubling outbreak of food poisoning across 15 states. This outbreak, tied to alfalfa sprouts, has resulted in multiple pathogen identifications. At the start of the week, state officials highlighted over three dozen cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. By Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted 55 cases nationwide, with four hospitalizations.
The CDC also identified cases in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. Out of 34 interviewed patients, 26 reported consuming alfalfa sprouts, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Typically, food poisoning outbreaks are characterized by a single pathogen. However, this outbreak involves both salmonella and various E. coli strains.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can lead to severe stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Severe infections risk causing acute kidney failure. Salmonella poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, fever, intense vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.
Authorities have linked the outbreak to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota cultivator. These sprouts were distributed under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to restaurants and grocery stores. Despite the situation, no market withdrawal has been issued by the company, as per FDA’s statements.
Last year, the FDA issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts. This followed inspections highlighting several concerns, including a leaking roof and water dripping onto bean sprouts and workers’ uniforms.
The Associated Press reached out to Everything Sprouts for comments.
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This article was translated from English by an AP editor with AI assistance.