Everything Sprouts, LLC, based in Minneapolis, is recalling certain lots of alfalfa sprouts because they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) or Salmonella bacteria. The company said the affected products were distributed from May 27 to August 21 to wholesale distributors and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The recalled items include Everything Sprouts and Calco branded alfalfa sprouts in 5-ounce containers with lot numbers 222, 223, 225, 226, and 230. The same alfalfa sprouts were also used in Everything Sprouts Crunchy Protein Sprout Mix and Zesty Garlic Mix cups with matching lot numbers. The company provided bar codes and sample product labels to help locate affected items.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause serious infections in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, according to the recall notice. The bacteria typically cause acute diarrheal illness within days of ingestion, though most people recover within a week. In some cases, particularly among young children and vulnerable populations, the infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition marked by red cell breakdown, low platelet counts, and kidney failure that can be fatal.
Salmonella infection most commonly causes gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps beginning six to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food, the notice stated. While the illness is usually self-limited in healthy individuals, infection can progress to more severe illnesses in infants, people over 65, and those with compromised immunity.
Federal and state partners have received 55 reports of illnesses related to the alfalfa sprouts. Everything Sprouts said it continues to work with public health officials to investigate the source of the potential contamination. Consumers who may have affected products should dispose of them immediately and clean any surfaces the product touched. Retailers and distributors were instructed to stop selling and distributing affected inventory and to dispose of it according to local protocols.