Health officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin are investigating an unusual outbreak of foodborne illnesses linked to alfalfa sprouts, with at least 41 people affected across the two states and additional illnesses in other states. The outbreak is particularly notable as it involves four different disease-causing organisms: Salmonella and three distinct strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC O168:H8, STEC O103:H25, and STEC O26:H11).
Twenty-three Minnesotans became ill between July 8 and August 8, with two hospitalizations but no reported deaths. Wisconsin has identified 18 additional cases, with one hospitalization. The illnesses are linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower, and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands in grocery stores and restaurants. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and dispose of any alfalfa sprouts from these brands.
Symptoms of STEC infection include stomach cramps and diarrhea, sometimes bloody, while Salmonella infections typically cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. While most people recover within five to seven days, STEC can lead to severe kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome), and about 28% of Salmonella cases require hospitalization. The presence of multiple pathogens suggests contamination may have occurred early in the production process or persisted in the growing environment, prompting investigators to examine seed sourcing, irrigation water, and the facility rather than a single contaminated batch. Regulators had previously issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts in March 2025 following an inspection in late 2024.
