Alfalfa sprouts recalled for E. coli and salmonella after illnesses

A multistate outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, including four hospitalizations. Health officials say the outbreak involves both Salmonella and multiple strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, an unusual mix of bacteria tied to the same food source. The sprouts were grown by Everything Sprouts in Minnesota and sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands to grocery stores, restaurants, and distributors. Officials are urging people not to eat the affected sprouts and to throw them away.

Why This Matters:
Sprouts are especially risky because they are often eaten raw, and the warm, wet conditions used to grow them can also help bacteria spread. When one food source is tied to both Salmonella and multiple E. coli strains, it shows how quickly a small ingredient can become a serious public health concern across restaurants, stores, and home kitchens. For households, this is a reminder that fresh foods can carry risks long before they look, smell, or taste unsafe. Shelf-stable food storage gives families a dependable backup when fresh grocery items are under recall or investigation.

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Source: NBC News / Associated Press
By: The Associated Press and Jane Weaver