Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls,Salmonella on August 24, 2026
Everything Sprouts, a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based hydroponic sprout grower, has been linked to several outbreaks investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Three E. coli outbreaks and a Salmonella outbreak have been combined into a multi-pathogen outbreak linked to the tiny greens. Including a dangerous Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli.
This multi-pathogen situation has complicated the outbreak investigation so far. However, now that a product has been identified, a recall is in progress. Which will hopefully reduce additional illnesses in the coming days.
What sprout products should you check for in your refrigerator? Why are sprouts more susceptible to contamination? What should you do if you get sick?
Here’s what we know so far about the Everything Sprouts E. coli/Salmonella outbreak!
Alfalfa and other sprout products from Everything Sprouts have been recently linked to at least 55 illness. So far four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
As of the last update, the last date of illness onset was reported to be August 8, 2026. The earliest date of illness onset was reported on May 31, 2026. With reporting lags often spanning six weeks or so, we may see additional cases added to outbreak statistics.
Sick people have been reported in 15 states. Including Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota,, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The multiple pathogen aspect is what makes this outbreak so complicated.
In addition to multiple pathogens linked to Everything Sprouts products in this outbreak, several people were sickened with multiple pathogens.
At least 46 people were infected with strains of E. coli. Salmonella was indicated in seven cases. At least two people have been infected with both Salmonella and E. coli.
An initial outbreak of E. coli O103:H25 was reported and given designated outbreak reference #1394. Later, other outbreaks involving E. coli strains O26:H11 and O168:H8 were combined. Along with Salmonella Agona. This somewhat cleaned up the outbreak investigation table, but complicated the reporting process.
Now, people infected with several different strains of foodborne bacterial infections are being evaluated for a potential connection to a common food.
For this outbreak, Everything Sprouts alfalfa sprouts was the common link.
During the course of a normal foodborne illness outbreak investigation, state and local public health officials interview sick people about the foods and drinks they consumed in the weeks prior to becoming sick.
The majority of people indicated consuming alfalfa sprouts before becoming sick.
Additional traceback data found alfalfa sprouts distributed by Everything Sprouts, LLC as a source in this E. coli and Salmonella outbreak.
Everything Sprouts initiated a voluntary recall for select lots of sprouts products on August 22, 2026. Select lots of Everything Sprouts products distributed between May 27, 2026 and August 21, 2025 through wholesale distributors and grocery stores are subject to this recall.
Check your refrigerator for Everything Sprouts products with barcodes 860014523113, 860014523120, and 85007940149 or Alfalfa 6/5oz and Alfalfa 12/6/5 oz packages with lot numbers LOT #222, 223, 225, 226, and 230.
Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix 5 oz cups with LOT#’s 222, 233, 226, and 230 along with Zesty Garlic Mix cups with LOT #’s 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230 also contain potentially contaminated alfalfa sprouts and are also subject to this recall.
The FDA has initiated additional outbreak inspection activities into Everything Sprouts. Sampling and an onsite inspection are underway.
The FDA visited the Everything Sprouts facility on August 19, 2026. The results of which will determine if Everything Sprouts is the only source of contamination and whether additional companies or products may be linked to these illnesses.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seed sprouts have been implicated as “vehicles of transmission” for foodborne outbreaks since the first reported incidence in 1973. That earliest-known outbreak involved sprouts grown using a home sprouting kit.
Alfalfa sprouts are especially susceptible to contamination. But they are not the only ones. Grains, vegetables, and even fruit sprouts may become contaminated with harmful microorganisms. Germs like Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, and E. coli.
This contamination can take place at various parts of the production process. These germs can be introduced at any point during harvesting, handling, processing, and distribution. If seeds are contaminated with a harmful germ they can grow to infectious quantities along with the sprouts.
You see, the conditions for growth and processing are the same ones necessary for the growth of these dangerous germs.
Certain measures like using properly treated manure or fertilizer, cleaning and sanitizing harvest, transport, and seed processing equipment along with rodent control or contamination by way of other animals can reduce these risks.
Have you recently consumed sprouts and find yourself experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. You may be wondering if your bathroom woes are related to the Everything Sprouts outbreak? With two different germs connected to the outbreak, you could be experiencing a variety of symptoms.
Only specialized tests can accurately diagnose your illness and later connect you to the ongoing outbreak, so reach out to your healthcare provider right away!
In the meantime, here are some common symptoms associated with E. coli and Salmonella foodborne illness.
The symptoms of E. coli infections can vary from mild to severe. Most people begin feeling sick around three to four days after exposure. However, some may begin feeling sick as early as one day or as late as 10 days or more after eating contaminated food.
Symptoms to look out for include:
Normally healthy people generally recover from E. coli infection within five to seven days. Some people, on the other hand, may experience other complications. These complications may lead to hospitalization or even death.
The elderly, young children (under five years), and those with a weakened immune system may experience more severe illnesses or develop serious complications. Complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.
This is where infections get especially dangerous!
HUS, is a rare, but serious health condition that can develop after becoming sick with toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli.
This complication develops when toxins rupture blood cells. These ruptured bloods cells clog the filtering aspects of the kidney. This can result in kidney failure and cause other downstream negative health effects.
People with HUS require hospitalization and monitoring to prevent further damage.
Symptoms to look out for include decreased urination, paleness in cheeks and inside of lower eyelids, and fatigue.
If you have been sick with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection and begin experiencing these HUS symptoms, get medical help right away!
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can vary from mild to severe. If you have recently consumed jalapeños or something made with them, be on the lookout for common Salmonella symptoms.
These symptoms include:
Most people experience symptoms in as little as six hours and up to six days after exposure. In some cases, illness onset could be much longer.
Severity and length of illness often varies from person to person. Most people experience mild illnesses that pass quickly. Others may experience severe illness lasting weeks or even months after initial symptoms.
Most people, however, feel better within a week (four to seven days).
Some, however, may experience certain complications.
Most of the time Salmonella bacteria are limited to the intestinal tract. However, in some cases, the bacteria can breach the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream capillaries and veins found there. When this happens, bacteria may infect the urinary tract, blood, bones, joints, and even the nervous system.
Common Salmonella complications include reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and bacteremia that can affect other parts of the body.
If you have consumed alfalfa or other sprouts recently and begin experiencing symptoms consistent with an E. coli or Salmonella infection, you may be wondering what you can do to help.
Even if your symptoms are mild, it is still a good idea to report your illness to your local health department. This can help investigators get a better picture of the scope of a potential outbreak.
They may ask you questions about your symptoms, what and where you have eaten in the past few weeks, and other supporting information. So have that information handy.
If you have been seriously affected by this outbreak, it is a good idea to get advice from an experienced Food Poisoning lawyer.
If you believe you may be part of this Everything Sprouts outbreak and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has an E. coli lawyer and Salmonella Lawyer that can help.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully won millions of dollars in products liability and food poisoning cases and they can help you too!
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no-obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)