The latest public‑health alert comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which confirmed a multi‑state food‑poisoning outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts. As of Friday, the agency is aware of 55 confirmed cases across 15 states, including four people who have been hospitalized.
States reporting cases
State health departments in Minnesota and Wisconsin first documented more than three dozen illnesses. Additional cases have been reported in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington.
What patients are experiencing
Among the 34 sick individuals interviewed, 26 recalled eating alfalfa sprouts. The outbreak involves two distinct pathogens: salmonella and several strains of Shiga toxin‑producing E. coli (STEC). Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration and stomach cramps. STEC infections may lead to stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and, in severe cases, acute kidney failure.
Source of the contaminated sprouts
Officials have traced the sprouts to Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower that markets the product under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands. The sprouts have been sold to restaurants and grocery stores nationwide. To date, the company has not issued a recall.
Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to Everything Sprouts after an inspection uncovered several concerns, including a leaking roof that allowed rainwater to fall onto bean sprouts and inadequate worker attire.
What consumers should do
The CDC advises anyone who may have the affected alfalfa sprouts at home to discard them or return them to the place of purchase. Consumers should also clean any surfaces, utensils or containers that may have contacted the sprouts with hot, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher.
People who develop symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, stomach cramps or notice blood in their stool should contact their healthcare provider promptly.
Public‑health response
Both the CDC and the FDA continue to monitor the situation and are working with state health agencies to identify additional cases. The agencies emphasize the importance of proper food handling and thorough cooking when possible, though alfalfa sprouts are typically consumed raw.
While the outbreak remains limited in scope, health officials urge vigilance, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly and young children, who are more vulnerable to severe complications from salmonella and STEC infections.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
