Alfalfa Sprouts Linked to Salmonella and E. coli Outbreaks in Minnesota and Wisconsin

At least 41 people in Minnesota and Wisconsin have reportedly fallen ill in outbreaks involving Salmonella and E. coli that health officials have linked to alfalfa sprouts.

The Minnesota Department of Health has identified 23 cases, including two hospitalizations. Wisconsin health officials have reported another 18 cases. According to Minnesota officials, the reported illnesses occurred between July 8 and Aug. 8, 2026.

Investigators have connected the illnesses to alfalfa sprouts produced by Minnesota-based Everything Sprouts. The products have reportedly been sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brand names at grocery stores and restaurants.

Health officials are advising consumers to check whether they have purchased the implicated sprouts, avoid eating them, and dispose of them if they are among the affected products.

Unusual Outbreak Involves Salmonella and E. coli

Foodborne illnesses can develop when bacteria contaminate food at different points during production, processing, handling, or preparation. In this investigation, officials have identified illnesses associated with two separate pathogens, Salmonella and E. coli.

The involvement of two types of bacteria makes the outbreak particularly notable. Food safety attorney Bill Marler, who has handled foodborne illness cases for many years, said it is unusual to see two pathogens associated with the same outbreak.

Sprouts can be especially vulnerable to bacterial contamination because they are grown in warm, moist conditions. These conditions can encourage bacteria to multiply when contamination occurs. Bacteria can also become difficult to remove once they are associated with the sprouts.

For that reason, consumers should not assume that washing potentially contaminated sprouts will make them safe. Following instructions issued by health authorities is the safer approach.

What to Know About the Affected Sprouts

The sprouts under investigation were produced by Everything Sprouts, a Minnesota grower. Officials said the products were marketed under both the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands and distributed through restaurants and grocery stores.

The company's website describes its sprouts as fresh, crisp products grown hydroponically. The company also says its sprouts are grown using Minnesota water.

NTD previously reported that the company had been contacted for comment but had not responded before publication.

Consumers should rely on official recall notices and health department updates when determining whether a product is affected. It is also important not to taste food simply to see whether it is contaminated. Harmful bacteria may be present even when food looks, smells, and tastes normal.

FDA Had Previously Raised Sanitation Concerns

The current investigation comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts in 2025 following an inspection of its Minneapolis facility.

The FDA cited sanitation problems involving food-contact surfaces. According to the agency, the company had not properly cleaned and sanitized certain surfaces used during the growing, harvesting, packing, or storage of sprouts, seeds, or beans used to grow sprouts.

The FDA's warning letter to Everything Sprouts provides additional details about the agency's findings.

The earlier FDA warning does not, by itself, prove that all products produced by the company were contaminated. However, the inspection findings are part of the broader food safety context surrounding the current investigation.

Salmonella Symptoms

Salmonella infection can cause several gastrointestinal symptoms. Common signs include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms can develop within hours or several days after exposure. While many people recover without serious complications, some infections can become more severe.

Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems can face a greater risk of complications from foodborne infections.

Anyone who develops concerning symptoms after eating potentially contaminated sprouts should consider seeking medical advice.

E. coli Symptoms and Potential Complications

E. coli describes a broad group of bacteria, many of which are harmless. However, certain strains can cause serious foodborne illness.

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, can cause intense stomach cramps and diarrhea. In some cases, the diarrhea may become bloody.

Some E. coli infections can result in complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can affect kidney function. Bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be taken seriously.

Because Salmonella and E. coli can produce similar digestive symptoms, medical testing may be needed to identify the specific infection.

Health Officials Urge Consumers to Take Precautions

Consumers who have purchased alfalfa sprouts from the affected brands should follow instructions from state and federal health authorities.

If a product is identified as potentially contaminated, it should not be eaten. Consumers should also avoid giving the product to family members, friends, or pets.

After handling or disposing of potentially contaminated food, consumers should wash their hands thoroughly and clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the product.

Restaurants and retailers that carry the affected sprouts should also follow health department instructions concerning product removal, disposal, and sanitation.

The Minnesota Department of Health has published information about the illnesses reported in the state. Wisconsin residents can find additional information through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Separate Cyclospora Outbreak Under Investigation

The alfalfa sprout investigation comes as health authorities are also monitoring a separate outbreak involving Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause intestinal illness.

The CDC reported that, as of Aug. 20, 2026, the Cyclospora outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico had resulted in 10,930 confirmed cases, 454 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 17 states.

Cyclospora infections can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea. The Cyclospora investigation is separate from the Salmonella and E. coli illnesses associated with alfalfa sprouts.

Consumers can find updated information on the CDC's Cyclospora outbreak page.

What Consumers Should Remember

The latest illnesses highlight the importance of paying attention to food safety alerts and public health announcements.

People who have potentially affected alfalfa sprouts should not eat them and should follow official instructions for disposal. Anyone who recently consumed the products should also be aware of possible symptoms of foodborne illness.

Food contamination cannot always be detected by looking at a product. Food can appear fresh and normal while still containing harmful bacteria.

The investigation in Minnesota and Wisconsin is ongoing, and additional information could emerge as health officials analyze laboratory results and trace the source of the illnesses.

For the most reliable information, consumers should check updates from state health departments, the FDA, and the CDC rather than relying on unverified claims online.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Food safety investigations and case numbers may change as officials receive additional information. Anyone experiencing severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Sources: Minnesota Department of Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Everything Sprouts, and NTD reporting. The Associated Press report.